What happened
During a daylight flight from Saskatoon to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, an aircraft carrying two pilots and four passengers experienced a sudden mechanical event. While cruising at roughly 4,000 feet above sea level, the crew began configuring the aircraft for approach by selecting the flaps. At this moment, an audible bang originated from the rear of the fuselage.
Following this sound, the aircraft entered an uncommanded pitch-up, reaching a near-vertical orientation before stalling. The aircraft then nosed over and entered a left-hand spin. Although the crew attempted to recover the aircraft from the spin, the plane continued a steep descent. By utilizing full-up elevator and adjusting power, the pilots managed to stabilize the aircraft into a near-horizontal attitude.
Realizing a landing was impossible, the crew extended the landing gear and declared a Mayday to initiate a forced landing. The aircraft struck a knoll, which caused the landing gear and the belly cargo pod to be torn away. After the initial impact, the aircraft bounced into the air and traveled about 180 meters before hitting a barbed-wire fence. The aircraft finally came to a rest approximately 600 meters from the first impact site. All six occupants sustained serious injuries, though none were fatal. All passengers and crew evacuated through the rear cabin door.
Findings
- An audible bang was heard from the rear of the aircraft immediately preceding the loss of control.
- The aircraft experienced an uncommanded pitch-up and subsequent stall.