3 fatalities

1981-07-09: Howard Super Ventura (Howard 500) (C-GKFN) — Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter — Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, Canada

Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On July 9, 1981, a Howard Super Ventura (Howard 500) (registration C-GKFN) operated by Kelowna Flightcraft Air Charter was involved in an aviation accident near Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, Canada during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It was determined that the aircraft was improperly loaded prior to takeoff and that the CofG was beyond the rear limit. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781222456Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered C-GKFN
Aircraft registered C-GKFN. Photo: Ken Fielding / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A twin-engine airplane stalled during initial climb after takeoff from Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson Airport, crashed, and burst into flames. All three occupants were killed. Improper loading with aft center of gravity was determined as probable cause.

Accident

Shortly after takeoff from Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson Airport, a twin-engine airplane was in its initial climb phase when it adopted an excessively nose-up attitude. The aircraft subsequently stalled and crashed, erupting into flames upon impact. The airplane was destroyed in the accident, and all three occupants on board were killed.

Investigation

Officials conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The examination focused on the aircraft's loading and balance conditions prior to departure.

Probable Cause

The investigation determined that the aircraft was improperly loaded before takeoff, resulting in the center of gravity (CofG) being positioned beyond the rear limit. This condition was identified as the probable cause of the accident.