Accident Overview
On the day of the accident, a Cessna 421C aircraft with registration C-GVPB, operated by les Ailes de Charlevoix inc., departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) charter flight from Charlevoix Airport, Quebec. The flight was destined for Trois-Rivières, Quebec. On board were one pilot and five passengers. The time of departure was approximately 1950 eastern daylight saving time (EDT).
Sequence of Events
Shortly after taking off, witnesses observed greyish smoke coming from the left engine of the aircraft. The aircraft then initiated a steep left turn, followed by a descent. After altering its course, the aircraft yawed and experienced an uncontrolled roll. It subsequently nosed down and crashed into the ground. The impact ignited a fire. All six occupants sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that a loss of oil pressure in the left engine occurred just after takeoff, resulting in a loss of power. This loss of power caused the pilot to lose the ability to maintain the aircraft's minimum control speed (VMC), leading to a loss of control. The probable cause is specifically attributed to the loss of oil pressure and the subsequent inability to maintain VMC.