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2 fatalities

1994 PA-31 Navajo Disappearance Near Blanc-Sablon (C-GDOU)

Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 11, 1994, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration C-GDOU) operated by Trans-Côte was involved in an aviation accident near Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon, Canada during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the occurrence could not be determined; however, it is probable that the pilots did not monitor the altimeter properly and allowed the aircraft to descend until it struck the surface of the ice. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A PA-31 Navajo on a night VFR charter flight from St. Anthony to Blanc-Sablon lost contact in 1994. Wreckage was found seven months later; probable cause was improper altimeter monitoring.

Flight Details and Loss of Contact On 11 January 1994, a crew operating a PA-31 Navajo on a chartered round-robin flight under visual flight rules (VFR) was traveling between Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon airport in Quebec and St. Anthony, Newfoundland. During the return leg at night, the crew informed the St. Anthony flight service station (FSS) that they had departed at 1813 Newfoundland standard time (NST). At 1846 NST, they reported an altitude of 2,500 feet and a position 32 nautical miles and 13 minutes southeast of Blanc-Sablon. Seven minutes later, the crew contacted the Sept-Iles FSS via the Blanc-Sablon repeater, requesting airport information and stating they were 16 nautical miles and six minutes from the airport. After receiving wind and altimeter setting information, the crew indicated they would use runway 05 and would call back on final approach. No further transmissions were received from the aircraft.

Probable cause

The cause of the occurrence could not be determined; however, it is probable that the pilots did not monitor the altimeter properly and allowed the aircraft to descend until it struck the surface of the ice.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jan 1994 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon, Canada?

A PA-31 Navajo on a night VFR charter flight from St. Anthony to Blanc-Sablon lost contact in 1994. Wreckage was found seven months later; probable cause was improper altimeter monitoring.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jan 1994 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jan 1994 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration C-GDOU, operated by Trans-Côte, at Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the occurrence could not be determined; however, it is probable that the pilots did not monitor the altimeter properly and allowed the aircraft to descend until it struck the surface of the ice.

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