What happened
On a flight conducted by Atlantic Charters, a Piper PA-31 was performing a medical evacuation mission between Saint John and Grand Manan, New Brunswick. After completing the initial leg of the trip, the aircraft departed Saint John at 0436 Atlantic Daylight Time for the return trip, carrying two crew members and two passengers.
During the approach to Runway 24 at Grand Manan Airport, the pilot performed a go-around following an initial landing attempt. While attempting a second approach with the landing gear deployed, the aircraft struck a road that runs perpendicular to the runway, roughly 1500 feet from the threshold. The plane then moved through 100 feet of dense brush before briefly lifting off the ground.
At approximately 0512, the aircraft impacted the ground to the left of the runway centerline, about 1000 feet before reaching the threshold. The impact resulted in two fatalities, involving the captain and one passenger. The remaining pilot and the second passenger suffered serious injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed in the accident, which took place during the night.
Findings
- The accident occurred during the hours of darkness.
- The aircraft struck an obstacle (a road) during a second landing attempt following a go-around.