What happened
On a flight operating under instrument flight rules, a Cessman 402 departed Montreal International (Dorval) for Schefferville, Quebec, with a planned stop in Wabush, Newfoundland. The flight included five occupants on board. During the final leg of the journey, the pilot inquired about the meteorological conditions at both the destination and the alternate airport. Due to unfavorable weather at Schefferville, the decision was made to divert to the alternate location in Wabush.
While performing an ILS approach for runway 01 at Wabush, the aircraft was unable to maintain the necessary glide path and was positioned too high to complete the landing. The pilot requested and was granted permission to perform a missed approach. During this maneuver, the aircraft flew outbound for an undetermined distance before turning back toward the airfield. During the subsequent inbound leg, the aircraft struck trees on the side of a mountain at an altitude of approximately 2,460 feet. The impact caused the aircraft to decelerate over a span of roughly 900 feet. The wreckage was located 23 nautical miles north of the airport, positioned on the extended centerline of runway 01. The accident occurred during the night, shortly after 1907 ADT.
Findings
- The aircraft was unable to complete the initial approach due to being too high on the glide path.
- The aircraft struck terrain during the missed approach procedure.
- All five occupants sustained injuries during the impact.