What happened
The aircraft, which had arrived in Winnipeg from Thunder Bay the previous day, was moved from a heated hangar to the apron at approximately 0410 CDT. Following the movement of the aircraft, the pilot conducted weather assessments and prepared a flight plan for the return trip to Ontario, which was projected to last just over two hours. After refueling and loading cargo at Apron V within the Winnipeg International Airport, the pilot secured instrument flight rules clearance.
Upon receiving takeoff authorization from the tower, the aircraft departed from Runway 36. The flight initially climbed along the runway heading, reaching an altitude of 1300 feet above sea level and 500 feet above ground level after roughly one minute. After being cleared to an altitude of 9000 feet towards the destination, the pilot transitioned to the assigned course. The aircraft continued its ascent until it reached a peak altitude of 2400 feet above sea level approximately 2.5 minutes into the flight. Subsequently, the aircraft began a steady descent at a rate of roughly 400 feet per minute. The accident took place at 0543 during the night, and emergency responders from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service were dispatched to the scene.
Findings
- The aircraft began a gradual descent below radar coverage prior to the accident.