Accident Overview
On a scheduled flight from Webequie to Lansdowne House, Ontario, an aircraft carrying five passengers and freight departed at approximately 1550 local time. The flight, operating under visual flight rules (VFR), arrived near Lansdowne House around 1605. As the aircraft approached the destination, deteriorating ceiling and visibility prompted a descent from 2,500 feet to 1,500 feet above sea level.
Approach Sequence
Over Lansdowne House, the first officer relinquished control to the captain, who was more familiar with the area. The aircraft approached from the north, and the captain planned a left-hand visual approach to runway 26. He instructed the first officer to monitor the instruments and set a reference of 200 feet on the radio altimeter bug. The captain flew over the runway and completed a visual circuit but was not in a position to land. He initiated an overshoot and attempted another left visual circuit, keeping the airfield in sight throughout. During the second circuit, the captain turned toward the runway, called for 20 degrees of flap, and began descending.
Final Approach and Impact
As the aircraft turned onto final approach, the first officer monitored the instruments. The captain reported the runway in sight. Shortly after, the first officer observed the altimeter pass through 200 feet. Moments before impact, the captain reported encountering whiteout conditions and moved to advance the power levers. The aircraft, aligned with the runway, struck the snow-covered ice surface of the lake approximately 1,200 feet short of the runway threshold. The aircraft bounced and struck rocks on the shore. A post-crash fire ensued. The lake elevation is 7 feet lower than the runway threshold. The accident occurred at 52° 12' 00" N, 87° 56' 00" W at 1620 local time during daylight hours.
Injuries and Damage
Both pilots escaped with minor injuries. One passenger suffered serious injuries, and four passengers were killed. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-crash fire.