Flight Details
In the late afternoon, the pilot departed from Red Lake bound for McDowell Lake, Ontario. The flight was reported as normal.
Accident Sequence
On the return trip, during the final approach to land, witnesses observed the aircraft's navigation lights and heard a reduction in engine power. An unusual noise followed, then a burst of power, after which the power was turned off. A thud was heard as the aircraft crashed into water and rocks in a semi-inverted, nose-down position. The pilot was killed and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the accident was caused by the continuation of a day visual flight rules (VFR) flight into the hours of darkness, which forced the pilot to attempt a night landing without proper facilities. During this attempt, the aircraft struck tall trees, leading to the crash into the water.