What happened
On a night-time international charter flight, a Cessna 441 Conquest was traveling from General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, toward Gods Lake Narrows, Manitoba. As part of the flight itinerary, the aircraft stopped at Fort Frances, Ontario, for refueling and customs clearance before proceeding under visual flight rules.
During the departure from Fort Frances Municipal Airport at 0425 CDT, the aircraft suffered a loss of power in the left engine. Despite the engine failure, the pilot attempted to proceed with the takeoff. Once the aircraft reached the air, the pilot lost control of the plane. The aircraft veered toward the left side of the airfield and crashed.
All seven people on board survived the impact, though they sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving the left engine during the takeoff roll.
- The decision to continue the takeoff following the power loss contributed to the loss of control once airborne.