Mid-Air Collision at 108 Mile Airport

Accident Overview and Impact Forces On an uncontrolled aerodrome, a Cessna 172D, C-FBVW, and a second Cessna 172, C-GWAC, collided at approximately 300 feet above ground level. C-FBVW was conducting left-hand circuits to runway 32, while C-GWAC was on a straight-in approach from the south. The impact locked the aircraft together, causing them to descend steeply and crash into a warehouse at the 108 Mile shopping centre. The three occupants sustained serious injuries from impact forces but were rescued by first responders without fire involvement. ## Operational Factors and Communication Failures The investigation found that C-FBVW's pilot had delegated radio operation to his passenger, removing his direct ability to monitor the aerodrome traffic frequency (ATF). Meanwhile, C-GWAC's pilot used a handheld radio that was likely not tuned to the correct ATF, rendering his position calls ineffective. Neither pilot detected the other aircraft, and neither took avoidance action. ## Contributing Factors and Safety Context The pilot of C-FBVW increased collision risk by flying left-hand circuits instead of the published right-hand procedures. Additionally, visual interference from the cockpit dash, engine section, and passenger impaired his lookout. C-GWAC's straight-in approach reduced his opportunity to be seen by other traffic. Both aircraft failed to use all available lighting systems, reducing visual conspicuousness. The Transportation Safety Board concluded that the see-and-avoid principle was ineffective due to these combined factors.