Accident Details
A post-maintenance check flight ended in a crash shortly after takeoff from Goose Bay Airport. The aircraft, carrying two pilots and one mechanic, was climbing when the crew raised the flaps. The aircraft stalled, and simultaneously, the left wing broke out at its root. The airplane dove into the ground out of control, killing all three occupants.
Maintenance Background
Ground maintenance had been performed on the left port inner trailing edge flap prior to the flight. The nature and extent of the maintenance were not specified.
Official Findings
According to the investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a sudden spontaneous full flap retraction, which caused the nose of the aircraft to drop. The resulting loads on the wing exceeded its design strength, leading to the left wing breaking off. The separated wing then struck the tail, causing the airplane to crash.