What happened
At 06:33 PST, a Douglas DC-3C, registration C-GWUG, crashed into trees on Mount Parke, located on Mayne Island, British Columbia. The aircraft, operated by Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter Ltd. under charter to Purolator Courier Ltd., was performing a night cargo flight originally scheduled from Vancouver to Nanaimo, but had been rerouted to include a stop in Victoria.
Upon contacting air traffic control, the captain cancelled the filed instrument flight rules (IFR) plan and elected to proceed under visual flight rules (VFR). During the flight, the aircraft encountered a low cloud ceiling. Radar data indicates the aircraft was in level flight at approximately 900 feet when it struck the trees. The impact occurred at an elevation of roughly 900 feet above sea level, and the aircraft subsequently fell into a valley where a post-crash fire destroyed the airframe. The two fatalities involved were the two pilots on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance history, flight planning, and the regulatory environment surrounding night VFR operations. Investigators reviewed radar data, weather reports, and the company's operations manual. The probe also looked into the presence of dangerous goods on board and the lack of terrain avoidance technology on the aircraft.
It was established that the crew's practice of cancelling IFR plans for VFR operations was a consistent habit. Furthermore, the investigation found that the company's internal manuals and regulatory oversight from Transport Canada did not adequately address or restrict night VFR operations regarding obstacle clearance requirements.
Findings
- The flight was conducted in violation of Canadian Aviation Regulation (CAR) 705.32 regarding night obstacle clearance.
- The aircraft was flying at an altitude below the required minimum obstacle clearance.
- The crew encountered a low cloud ceiling of approximately 800 feet, which reduced visual contact with the ground.
- The Douglas DC-3C was not equipped with a ground proximity warning system (GPWS), which could have alerted the crew to the approaching terrain.
- The company operations manual failed to reflect the specific restrictions for night VFR flight.
- The presence of dangerous goods on the aircraft was unknown to first responders, increasing the risk to personnel at the crash site.