What happened
On a scheduled flight from Sioux Lookout, Ontario, to Big Trout Lake, Ontario, the crew of C-GYQT, a Beechcraft A100, was performing an approach to runway 14. The flight, operated by Bearskin Airlines as flight 324, carried two crew members and nine passengers. During the descent, the crew encountered visibility of approximately one mile. To maintain separation from another aircraft previously reported in the area, the captain decided to proceed under visual flight rules by maneuvering southwest of the airport.
As the aircraft approached the runway, the first officer maintained visual control while the captain managed navigation and terrain clearance. During this phase, the crew received a report that local visibility had dropped to less than half a mile. While preparing for landing, the captain began reviewing company approach procedures in a binder held on his lap. This distraction occurred as the aircraft was flying over a large expanse of lake.
Radar data from Big Trout Lake indicated that the aircraft descended to roughly 150 feet above ground level approximately 4.5 miles from the runway threshold, maintaining an altitude between 200 and 300 feet for about 50 seconds. Shortly before impact, the aircraft was recorded at 3.5 miles from the runway, descending at a rate exceeding 1,200 feet per minute. The captain noticed the altimeter passing through 1,000 feet above sea level and alerted the first officer to monitor altitude, but the aircraft struck the frozen lake surface before recovery could be attempted. After an initial bounce, the pilot attempted to land straight ahead, but the Beechcraft A100 crashed a short distance further on the ice.
All 11 occupants survived the accident, though the crew and several passengers suffered serious injuries. Rescuers arrived within two hours, and all survivors were extracted within four hours, though some victims faced hypothermia during the wait.
Findings
- The crew attempted to maintain visual flight conditions despite deteriorating visibility and whiteout risks.
- Distraction caused by reviewing approach documentation contributed to the crew failing to monitor critical altitude and vertical speed information.