What happened
During an approach to Campbell River, the crew of a Convair encountered weather conditions near the minimums for the area, characterized by a broken ceiling of 400 feet and visibility between 2 and 2.5 miles. Winds were reported from 110 degrees with gusts reaching 20 mph.
In an attempt to reach the airfield, the crew positioned the aircraft on a westerly heading approximately 2nm south of the airport. The plan involved executing a right-hand circuit to the south and west of the field, utilizing DME and ADF instrumentation to navigate above the broken cloud layer. This maneuver was an improvised method that did not follow established instrument approach procedures.
After maintaining this course for approximately one minute and 40 seconds, the aircraft began a right turn. Shortly after the captain voiced concerns regarding the flight, the Convair impacted a hill at an elevation of 932 feet, having struck the terrain which rose to 1047 feet.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the accident was caused by the crew's use of an incorrect approach configuration, specifically failing to adhere to the approved instrument approach procedures during the flight.