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Piper Navajo Chieftain C-GNPG Crash in Bathurst, New Brunswick

Bathurst, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 4, 1994, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration C-GNPG) operated by Preferred Flights was involved in an aviation accident near Bathurst, Canada during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew of Empress 204 allowed the aircraft to descend below the minimum descent altitude for the approach. 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 Piper Navajo Chieftain, C-GNPG, operating as Empress 204, crashed into trees during a non-precision instrument approach to Bathurst, New Brunswick, killing both pilots.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 1805 Atlantic Standard Time (AST), a Piper Navajo Chieftain with the registration C-GNPG, operating under the callsign Empress 204, departed Moncton, New Brunswick, for a scheduled courier flight to Bathurst. The aircraft was crewed by two pilots and carried no cargo. The flight proceeded directly to Bathurst at an altitude of 8,000 feet above sea level (asl). At 1820 AST, Moncton Area Control Centre (ACC) cleared the aircraft for an approach at Bathurst. The co-pilot contacted Bathurst UNICOM to inform the operator that the crew would execute a non-directional beacon/distance measuring equipment (NDB/DME) approach to runway 10.

Probable cause

The crew of Empress 204 allowed the aircraft to descend below the minimum descent altitude for the approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jan 1994 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Bathurst, Canada?

A Piper Navajo Chieftain, C-GNPG, operating as Empress 204, crashed into trees during a non-precision instrument approach to Bathurst, New Brunswick, killing both pilots.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jan 1994 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jan 1994 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration C-GNPG, operated by Preferred Flights, at Bathurst, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew of Empress 204 allowed the aircraft to descend below the minimum descent altitude for the approach.

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