What happened
A flight departing from Boyce Lake, Ontario, for Temagami, Ontario, ended in a fatal accident when a Cessna A185F struck a transmission tower and its associated anchor wires. The aircraft, carrying the pilot and two passengers, was flying under visual flight rules when it collided with the structure south of Temagami. The impact caused the aircraft to crash and ignite an intense post-crash fire. All three occupants perished in the accident.
At the time of the collision, the area was experiencing variable fog and light drizzle. While the tower's lights were visible from a distance, the low cloud cover obscured the high ground where the structure stood. A witness reported hearing the aircraft approaching just before the impact, noting that the plane became visible only moments before striking the wires and the tower itself.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical condition of the aircraft, the pilot's qualifications, and the environmental conditions. Investigators found no evidence of airframe failure, engine malfunction, or system issues prior to the impact. The pilot was fully certified and qualified for the flight, and there were no signs of physiological incapacitation.
Regarding the transmission tower, the investigation confirmed that the structure was appropriately painted in orange and white and that its obstruction lights were functional and turned on at the time of the accident. The tower and its location were also correctly documented on the navigation charts used by the pilot.
Findings
- The pilot continued flight in deteriorating meteorological conditions, which likely prevented the timely detection of the tower and its anchor cables.
- Weather reports from nearby stations indicated low ceilings and reduced visibility due to fog and rain showers during the flight.
- The aircraft was operating in conditions that were becoming increasingly difficult for visual navigation.