What happened
While performing a flight from Matagami toward Quebec, the aircraft experienced a critical failure of both its radio and navigation equipment. This technical malfunction caused the pilot to lose situational awareness regarding the plane's position. As the flight progressed, the crew realized that the remaining fuel was reaching critically low levels.
In an effort to prevent a more uncontrolled crash, the crew decided to perform an emergency ditching in Mistassini Lake. The impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair. Despite the severity of the landing, all 24 occupants were successfully pulled from the wreckage and rescued without loss of life.
Findings
- The primary driver of the emergency was the simultaneous failure of navigation and radio systems.
- Low fuel reserves necessitated the immediate decision to land on the water.