Flight Information
Air Satellite Flight 638, a Cessna 402B, departed from Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon, Quebec, on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight to Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec, carrying a load of mail. At 6,000 feet above sea level, meteorological conditions were visual (VMC).
Descent and Approach
Approximately 35 nautical miles from Havre-Saint-Pierre, the pilot began the descent. At 25 nautical miles from the airport and at an altitude of 5,000 feet, the pilot contacted the Flight Service Station (FSS) specialist at Sept-Îles via a remote communications outlet (RCO) to request weather information for Havre-Saint-Pierre Airport. The specialist provided the latest weather report, issued three hours earlier by Environment Canada, which indicated VMC. The pilot could see the town of Havre-Saint-Pierre when he commenced his back course approach for runway 27.
During the descent, the aircraft encountered snow showers. The pilot contacted the company to check the weather and was informed of light snow. He continued the approach to the minimum descent altitude (MDA) of 420 feet as indicated on the Havre-Saint-Pierre approach chart. Moderate turbulence was experienced. While trying to maintain control and obtain more detailed weather information via radio, the pilot was told by another company pilot that the snowfall was heavier.
Crash
The aircraft then banked right. The pilot corrected, and at the same time, the wheels touched the ground. The aircraft crashed and slid on its belly approximately 100 feet before coming to rest on marshy ground, about 1.5 nautical miles from the threshold of runway 27. The pilot sustained minor injuries; the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The accident occurred during darkness.
Rescue
The pilot remained in radio contact with overflying aircraft and stated he would stay on board until rescuers arrived. Search and rescue crews walked toward the crash site but were unable to locate the aircraft due to rough terrain and reduced visibility. Five hours later, a Search and Rescue helicopter located the aircraft with the aid of a direction finder. The weak signal from the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was still readable. The pilot was transported to hospital for first aid treatment.
Probable Cause
The pilot continued the descent below the MDA without the required visual references.