What happened
On the day of the accident, an aircraft was prepared for departure at Abbotsford International Airport under freezing conditions, with temperatures at -2°C and moderate to heavy snowfall. The crew and passengers boarded the C-GIAE while the plane was inside a heated hangar. Following boarding, the aircraft was moved outside into the snow and ice without the application of anti-ice fluid.
Due to incoming traffic, the departure was delayed, leaving the aircraft exposed to the wintry environment for roughly 14 minutes while taxiing on runway 07. After receiving takeoff clearance, the aircraft became airborne. However, immediately after the landing gear was retracted, the flight experienced significant issues regarding power and control. This led to a collision with the ground within the airport boundaries. The impact resulted in the destruction of the C-GIAE, and five people, including the pilot and four passengers, suffered serious injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft was moved from a heated hangar to the runway without receiving anti-ice treatment.
- Accumulation of snow and ice on the aircraft surfaces occurred during a 14-minute delay on the taxiway.