What happened
On a daylight flight departing from the Montréal/St-Hubert Airport in Quebec, an aircraft was conducting a local mission to inspect the rudder trim indicator and investigate a possible synchronization issue between the GPS and the autopilot. The flight was operated with one pilot and three passengers on board.
As the aircraft was maneuvering toward Runway 24R at the Montréal/St-Hubert Airport, both Pratt & Whitney Canada, PT6A-28 engines ceased operation. This loss of power was caused by fuel exhaustion. Following the engine failure, the pilot attempted to divert the aircraft to the St-Mathieu-de-Beloeil Airport.
In the process of the diversion, the pilot attempted a forced landing in a field located approximately 0.5 nautical mile west of the St-Mathieu-de-Beloeil Airport. At 1725 Eastern Daylight Time, the aircraft impacted the ground roughly 30 feet before reaching the intended field. The impact resulted in extensive damage to the aircraft. All 4 occupants survived the event, sustaining only minor injuries. No fire was reported following the impact, and the emergency locator transmitter functioned as intended during the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the dual engine failure was the depletion of available fuel during the flight.