What happened
A twin-engine aircraft departed from Toronto International Airport's Runway 23R at 13:51 local time, operating as a visual flight rules (VFR) training mission. The crew consisted of three individuals: the Captain, a Check Pilot, and an observer pilot. The objective of the flight was to conduct a proficiency check for the Captain and renew his instrument rating.
After climbing to 3,000 feet and being cleared from the frequency approximately 22 nautical miles from Toronto, the crew began the flight test exercises. One specific maneuver involved simulating an engine failure during an approach and overshoot. During a second attempt at this exercise, the right engine was intentionally shut down. Following this action, a witness noted that the right propeller had stopped and black smoke was emitting from the left engine. As the aircraft entered a shallow right-hand descending turn, the smoke decreased, but the plane continued to lose altitude. The aircraft struck trees before the nose and the right main landing gear made contact with the ground. The accident occurred at 43° 22' N 80° 08' W, south of Valens, Ontario.
The accident resulted in two fatalities and one serious injury among the crew members.
Findings
Investigations into the crash revealed that while the right fuel lever was moved to the OFF position to simulate the failure, the fuel lever for the left engine was also inadvertently moved to the OFF position. This unintended shutdown of the remaining engine left the aircraft with insufficient altitude to maintain safe flight. The investigation noted that the crew met all necessary training and operating requirements, but suggested that enhanced operational controls and improved regulatory requirements could prevent similar occurrences.