Background and Flight
The airplane, a Twin Otter registered as C-GROW, was being used for a series of flights between Frobisher (YFB) and Brevoort Island, a distance of 119 nautical miles. These flights were conducted under visual flight rules (VFR) with a Flight Notification filed at Frobisher. Two return flights were accomplished without incident, and the aircraft was flown back to Brevoort for another round trip.
On the final flight, the aircraft departed Brevoort at 21:57 hours local time with the same two pilots and seven passengers, en route to Frobisher.
Communications and Weather
The pilots contacted Frobisher Flight Service Station (FSS) at 22:31, reporting at 6,000 feet altitude and estimating arrival in 15 minutes. Upon receiving the latest weather indicating conditions below VFR limits, they requested clearance for 'Special VFR', which was granted.
Another weather report was transmitted by the Frobisher FSS at 22:44, stating the ceiling had lowered to 400 feet with visibility at 8 miles, wind from 190 degrees magnetic at 22 knots. The pilot stated they would make a front course ILS approach to runway 36 with a landing on runway 18. At 22:58, they were issued a clearance for an ILS approach. They subsequently reported outbound at procedure turn altitude and confirmed their planned approach for runway 36 with circling for runway 18. This was the last radio transmission from C-GROW.
Final Approach and Accident
The Twin Otter was seen flying north along the runway. It then struck high ground about 1,200 feet east of the runway and about 100 feet above runway level. The aircraft was destroyed, and all nine occupants were killed.
Official Findings
The investigation identified the following findings:
- Three other aircraft made successful downwind landings on runway 36; one before and two after the accident flight.
- For undetermined reasons, the crew of C-GROW, following their instrument landing approach, decided not to land on runway 36 with the strong tailwind and elected to circle for runway 18.
- The weather was below circling limits.
- The crew attempted a circling approach at low altitude at night on the non-maneuvering side of the runway.
- The aircraft struck the ground while under control during flight in restricted visibility.