Accident Overview
An aircraft was on approach to Paulatuk Airport when the pilot encountered marginal weather conditions. The conditions included strong crosswinds and blowing snow. On short final, as the pilot was transitioning from visual to instrument flight rules, the decision was made to initiate a go-around. During the overshoot, the left wing struck the ground. The aircraft veered left and came to rest. The pilot and a passenger were killed, while 10 other occupants were injured.
Weather Conditions
Marginal weather conditions were reported with strong crosswinds and blowing snow. Visibility was reduced due to the blowing snow, particularly as the aircraft landed.
Flight Sequence
The aircraft was on approach to Paulatuk Airport. On short final, the pilot began the transition from visual to instrument flight rules. The pilot then decided to execute a go-around. During the overshoot, control of the aircraft was lost, and the left wing impacted the ground. Subsequently, the aircraft veered to the left and came to a stop.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of the combination of the following factors:
- The Paulatuk aerodrome runway is not oriented to correspond with the prevailing winds.
- Environment Canada does not produce an aerodrome forecast for Paulatuk.
- As the aircraft landed, the crosswind from the right increased appreciably, reducing visibility in blowing snow.
- During the overshoot, as the pilot was making the transition from visual to instrument flight conditions, control of the aircraft was lost.
- The aircraft was overloaded by 840 lbs.