What happened
At 108 Mile Airport, a Cessna 172D, registered C-FBVW, was performing left-hand traffic circuits for runway 32. While the aircraft was descending toward the runway on final approach, it collided with another Cessna 172, C-GWAC, which was arriving from the south on a straight-in approach to the same runway. The impact occurred approximately 300 feet above the ground.
The collision caused both aircraft to become entangled and lose control. The combined wreckage descended steeply, eventually striking a warehouse at the 108 Mile shopping centre, located roughly 2,000 feet south of the runway's approach end. While the three people on board the two aircraft sustained serious injuries due to the impact forces, they were successfully rescued by first responders. No fire was reported at the scene.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight procedures, radio communications, and aircraft configurations of both involved parties. Investigators found that the pilots were properly certified and no mechanical failures or physiological issues contributed to the accident.
At the time of the flight, the pilot of C-FBVW had assigned the only available headset to a passenger, meaning the pilot was not directly monitoring the aerodrome traffic frequency (ATF). Regarding C-GWAC, a post-crash analysis of the pilot's handheld radio suggested the device was likely not tuned to the correct ATF at the time of the collision, which prevented the pilot from receiving or transmitting vital traffic information. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot of C-GWAC utilized a straight-in approach rather than the recommended circuit-joining procedure, and the pilot of C-FBVW was flying left-hand circuits despite the airport's published right-hand procedures for runway 32.
Findings
- The see and avoid principle failed as a separation method because neither pilot detected the other aircraft before the collision.
- The pilot of C-FBVW was operating in a left-hand traffic pattern, contrary to the published right-hand procedures.
- The pilot of C-GWAC used a straight-in approach, which reduced the likelihood of being spotted by other traffic.
- The handheld radio used by the pilot of C-GWAC was likely tuned to the incorrect frequency, preventing effective communication.
- The pilot of C-FBVW was unable to monitor the ATF directly because the passenger was using the only available headset.
- Neither aircraft was using all available lighting systems, such as landing lights, to increase visibility.