Incident Overview
The aircraft, carrying two crew members, two passengers, and a load of cargo, struck a 150-foot-high radio tower while the crew was manoeuvring to land in poor weather. Following the collision, the aircraft became difficult to control, prompting the crew to execute a wheels-up forced landing.
During the landing, the cargo—drums containing automotive gasoline—broke free, causing damage and trapping the passengers. Once the drums were moved, the passengers were able to exit the aircraft through the cockpit escape hatch.
Injuries and Escape
The pilot-in-command and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The other two occupants escaped without reported injury; however, the source notes that the passenger's injuries would have been reduced had a shoulder harness been worn.
Investigation Findings
The Canadian Aviation Safety Board determined that the flight was continued into below VFR weather conditions. Additionally, the cargo had not been secured in accordance with the requirements of the company's operating certificate.
Official findings reported:
- The crew initiated a VFR flight based on weather forecasts indicating suitable conditions for the duration of the flight.
- En route weather deteriorated below VFR minimums.
- The flight was continued into below VFR weather.
- During an attempt to navigate using automatic direction finding equipment and maintain visual ground reference, the pilot manoeuvred at low altitude, striking the NDB tower.
- A wheels-up forced landing was carried out due to difficulty controlling the aircraft and uncertainty about collision damage.
- The passenger's injuries would have been reduced with a shoulder harness.