Convair Collision with Terrain Near Campbell River (CF-PWR)

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions A Convair was approaching Campbell River in weather conditions that were just above the published minima. The reported conditions included visibility of 2 to 2.5 miles, a broken ceiling at 400 feet, and wind from 110 degrees with gusts to 20 mph. ## Approach Configuration and Deviation The crew positioned the aircraft visually about 2 nautical miles south of the airfield on a westerly heading, intending to attempt an approach from the west. The plan involved a right-hand circuit flown above the broken cloud south and west of the airport, using DME and ADF information. This improvised approach was not in accordance with published approach procedures for instrument conditions. ## Final Flight Phase and Impact After flying for 1 minute and 40 seconds, the crew turned right. A few seconds after the captain expressed concern, the Convair struck a hill 1,047 feet high at an altitude of 932 feet.