What happened
On 17 January 2004, a Cessna 208B Caravan operated a series of flights in Ontario, beginning in Toronto and moving through Windsor and Pelee Island. Following a period of refueling and de-icing, the aircraft departed Pelee Island at 1605 under instrument flight rules as flight GGN125. After landing at Pelee Island at 1620, the pilot prepared for the return leg to Windsor. During the ground period, despite the presence of freezing precipitation and observations from individuals on the ramp regarding ice on the wing, the pilot proceeded with loading passengers and cargo.
The return flight, designated GGN126, departed Pearel Island at approximately 1638. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft utilized nearly the entire runway length and achieved only a very shallow climb. Shortly after turning north, witnesses reported hearing a crash followed by the cessation of engine noise. Because the pilot had not contacted air traffic services following the departure, the aircraft was initially unaccounted for. A search was initiated by the Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton at 1710.
At 1908, a USCG helicopter located the aircraft's empennage and debris on the frozen lake, roughly 1.6 nautical miles from the end of the runway. The accident resulted in 9 fatalities, as there were no survivors found at the site. The empennage eventually sank through the ice, and the full recovery of the wreckage took 13 days.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in conditions involving freezing precipitation.
- Ice remained on the wing despite the pilot visually inspecting the leading edge and the previous use of de-icing fluid.