Accident
Following maintenance that involved replacement of parts on the elevators and rudder, the crew conducted a local test flight from Gimli Airport. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing steeply to an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the aircraft entered a right turn, then pitched nose-down and crashed in the vicinity of the runway. The impact resulted in a fire. All three occupants were killed.
Investigation
The investigation determined that the aircraft had recently undergone maintenance, including assembly operations on the elevators and rudder, which were required due to a malfunction of the rudder lock system. The crew participated in these assembly operations. Shortly after rotation, the rudder jammed unexpectedly following a failure in the locking mechanism, causing the crew to lose control of the aircraft. The investigation found that the assembly operations were carried out in accordance with applicable regulations, and that no crew error was involved. A mechanical failure was deemed the only plausible explanation for the accident.