What happened
On a flight traveling from Tofino, British Columbia, toward Vancouver International Airport, a Cessna 208B experienced a loss of engine power while cruising at 9,000 feet. Following the failure, the pilot attempted to navigate toward Port Alberni Regional Airport but instead initiated an emergency descent toward a logging road.
During the maneuver, the aircraft entered a sharp right-hand turn and collided with trees. The impact occurred at approximately 14:20 Pacific standard time, roughly 11 nautical miles south-southeast of the Port Alberni Regional Airport. The accident resulted in three fatalities and left five passengers with serious injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft, registration C-GRXZ, suffered an engine failure during the cruise phase of flight.
- The crash was precipitated by the aircraft striking trees while performing a steep turn during the emergency landing attempt.