Piper PA-34-200T Crash at Québec/Jean-Lesage International Airport

Flight Details and Initial Approach On the night of the occurrence, a Piper PA-34-200T, registration C-FCYV, serial number 34-7870286, was conducting an instrument flight rules flight from Montréal/Dorval Airport to Québec/Jean-Lesage International Airport. The aircraft carried the pilot and four passengers. The pilot, who held a Class 4 instructor rating and an instrument rating, was flying to maintain instrument proficiency. At the time, he had only one hour of instrument time in the preceding six months, despite a total of 630 flight hours and 65 hours on the type. The pilot was authorized by the carrier to make the flight, and the aircraft was certified, equipped, and maintained in accordance with regulations. No mechanical malfunction was found. Weather forecasts for the Québec area indicated fluctuating conditions, with a temporary situation of one statute mile visibility in fog and 400 feet vertical visibility expected at the estimated time of approach. The pilot did not have this specific amendment in hand at take-off. Upon initial contact with the Québec tower, the pilot was informed that the runway visual range (RVR) was 1,400 feet, with observed visibility of half a mile in fog and vertical visibility of 100 feet. The pilot initiated an ILS approach on runway 06 but could not land due to weather conditions and executed a missed approach. A preceding Boeing 727 had also made a missed approach and returned to Montréal. During the first missed approach, the pilot did not follow the published procedure, which required climbing on a heading of 063° to 3,300 feet. Instead, the pilot began a right turn that caused the aircraft to fly back over the airport. The controller intervened using radar to guide the pilot for a second approach on runway 06. ## Second Approach and Impact At the time of the second approach, the RVR was 1,200 feet. After the pilot crossed the final approach fix, the RVR dropped to 1,100 feet, allowing the pilot to legally continue the descent. At the minimum approach altitude, the pilot initiated a missed approach. Radar data indicated that the aircraft accelerated and its rate of descent did not change until impact. The pilot did not modify the aircraft's attitude to begin a pull-up. The aircraft struck the ground and slid 243 feet before coming to a stop 3,342 feet from the threshold of runway 06. The landing gear, propellers, and tail assembly separated from the aircraft on impact. The flaps were extended at 25 degrees. Only one occupant was slightly injured. ## Causes and Contributing Factors The investigation determined that during the missed approach, the pilot, due to insufficient instrument flight experience and lack of training, did not modify the aircraft's attitude to initiate the climb. The aircraft continued its descent and struck the ground. Contributing factors included the pilot's limited recent instrument experience, the sole crew member status, and the increased workload during the missed approach in deteriorating weather conditions. The air carrier subsequently established a clear policy on the use of aircraft for personal purposes, detailing required authorizations and weather conditions.