Accident Details
A Cessna 335, registration C-GMZV, was on an instrument flight rules flight from Québec Airport to Gaspé Airport in Quebec, carrying two pilots and two passengers. The pilot decided to conduct a back-course approach to runway 29 after checking weather at destination. The last radio contact was at two miles on final approach. The aircraft was found approximately 1,000 feet in front of the airport terminal, having crashed and been consumed by an intense fire. All four occupants sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Weather and Approach
About one hour before departure, the pilot obtained weather observations from Gaspé: wind 360° true at 2 knots, visibility 1/2 mile in snow, measured ceiling 800 feet overcast. During the flight, conditions deteriorated. When the pilot contacted the flight service station over Mont-Joli, he was advised of visibility 1/4 mile in heavy snow with vertical visibility 300 feet. The alternate airport Charlo was offered but declined. During descent, the latest weather sequence showed measured ceiling 200 feet overcast, heavy snowfall, visibility 1/4 mile. The approach minimums for the LOC(BC)/DME Runway 29 procedure were 440 feet ASL (336 feet AGL) and visibility 1 nautical mile. The aircraft exceeded these minima. The runway lighting (ARCAL) was not activated by the pilot.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was a Cessna 335, serial number 3350029, certificated and maintained per regulations. No pre-flight deficiencies were noted, and no airframe or system malfunctions were found. The pilot-in-command had about 1,300 total hours, including 400 multi-engine and 32 on type, with 210 instrument hours. The copilot had about 2,020 total hours, 570 multi-engine and 10 on type, with 100 instrument hours. Both held valid certificates and qualifications. Autopsies showed no medical issues; toxicology for common drugs and alcohol was negative. Multiple injuries were the cause of death.
Investigation Findings
The aircraft struck the ground with a left bank of about 60° on a heading of 230° magnetic. The landing gear was up, flaps at 15°, indicating an overshoot configuration. Engines were producing power at impact, with propeller blades at fine pitch. The automatic pilot was not engaged. The emergency locator transmitter activated but its antenna was torn off, reducing signal range; it was found by a detector. The accident was not survivable due to high deceleration and fire. The investigation noted that spatial disorientation, specifically the false-climb illusion, can occur in low visibility when pilots rely on inner ear rather than instruments. Pilots with limited instrument time are most susceptible. No explicit cause was determined. The airline, Myrand Aviation, operated a fleet including the Cessna 335. The company president advised the pilot to proceed to an alternate if unable to land. No pressure was determined. No Canadian regulation prevents IFR approaches below minima when no RVR is available, as at Gaspé.