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Aircraft C-GIAE Collides with Terrain After Takeoff in Snow Conditions

Abbotsford, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On February 23, 2018, a Beechcraft 100 King Air (registration C-GIAE) operated by Island Express Air was involved in an aviation accident near Abbotsford, Canada during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of the combination of the following findings: - The occurrence aircraft exited a warm hangar and was exposed to 14 minutes of heavy snow in below-freezing conditions. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft C-GIAE collided with terrain after takeoff from Abbotsford in snow, causing serious injuries to all five occupants. The aircraft was exposed to snow for 14 minutes before departure, resulting in wing contamination and an aerodynamic stall.

Sequence of Events

Weather conditions at Abbotsford at the time of departure consisted of a temperature of -2°C in moderate to heavy snowfall with winds of approximately 10 knots. Prior to departure, the fuel tanks were filled to capacity, and the pilot and passengers boarded the aircraft inside the operator's heated hangar. The aircraft was towed outside of the hangar without being treated with anti-ice fluid and taxied for departure on runway 07. Due to an inbound arrival at Abbotsford, the aircraft was delayed for departure. Once cleared for takeoff, the aircraft had been exposed to snow and freezing conditions for approximately 14 minutes. After becoming airborne, the aircraft experienced power and control issues shortly after the landing gear was retracted. The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain within the airport perimeter.

Injuries and Damage

The accident destroyed the aircraft. Four passengers and the pilot sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident.

Probable Cause

The accident was the consequence of the combination of the following findings:

  • The occurrence aircraft exited a warm hangar and was exposed to 14 minutes of heavy snow in below-freezing conditions. This resulted in a condition highly conducive to severe ground icing.
  • As the aircraft climbed out of ground effect on takeoff, it experienced an aerodynamic stall as a result of wing contamination.
  • The pilot’s decision making was affected by continuation bias, which resulted in the pilot attempting a takeoff with an aircraft contaminated with ice and snow adhering to its critical surfaces.
  • The pilot and the passenger seated in the right-hand crew seat were not wearing the available shoulder harnesses. As a result, they sustained serious head injuries during the impact sequence.
  • During the impact sequence, the cargo restraint system used to secure the baggage in the rear baggage compartment failed, causing some of the baggage to injure passengers seated in the rear of the aircraft cabin.
  • The aircraft was not airworthy at the time of the occurrence as a result of an incomplete airworthiness directive.
Icing

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