3 fatalities

1989-06-24: Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (C-GSWC) — South West Air - Canada — Pelée Island, Canada

Pelée Island, CanadaTakeoff (climb)

On June 24, 1989, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration C-GSWC) operated by South West Air - Canada was involved in an aviation accident near Pelée Island, Canada during takeoff. 3 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781213986Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into Lake Erie shortly after takeoff from Pelée Airport during a mission to transport a patient.

What happened

During a night-time medical evacuation mission, a twin-engine aircraft departed from Pelée Airport with the intention of transporting a patient to Windsor. The flight crew was accompanied by one patient, the patient's spouse, and an ambulance officer.

Shortly after performing a takeoff from runway 28, the aircraft began its climb when it suddenly became uncontrollable. The plane subsequently impacted the surface of Lake Erie. Of the five people on board, three fatalities were recorded, while the patient and the co-pilot managed to survive the accident.

Findings

No specific technical causes or contributing factors were detailed in the initial report regarding why the aircraft lost control during the initial climb phase.