Incident Summary
A Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander was conducting a night visual approach to Norman Wells Airport (YVQ) under conditions of low ceilings and reduced visibility. While at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the aircraft was intermittently in and out of cloud. The pilot observed lights below and, believing them to be from the town of Norman Wells, initiated a descent to get below the cloud base for a visual right-hand circling approach to runway 08.
Sequence of Events
During the descent, the pilot turned the aircraft onto a northerly heading. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck the ice of the Mackenzie River. The impact caused the right main landing gear to separate from the aircraft. The aircraft bounced and remained airborne for approximately half a mile before skidding about 600 feet along smooth ice. It eventually entered an area with large blocks of ice, which brought the aircraft to a stop.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation reported the following findings:
- The pilot mistook the lights of oil installations for the lights of the town.
- In an attempt to maintain visual contact with the ground, the pilot descended below a reported 500-foot cloud base in an area where the cloud merged with ground fog, with the result that the aircraft descended to ground level.
- The unserviceable instrument panel light for the pilot's altimeter prevented the pilot from having continuous altitude information.
These findings were identified as the probable causes of the accident.