Flight Details
The aircraft was on an instrument flight rules flight from Gunisao Lake, Manitoba, to Winnipeg International Airport. One pilot and six passengers were on board.
Approach and Missed Approach
At 0913 central daylight time, KEE208 began an instrument landing system approach to Runway 13. The captain flew the approach at a higher-than-normal approach airspeed and well above the glide path. When the aircraft broke out of the cloud layer, it was not in a position to land safely. The captain executed a missed approach at 0916.
Engine Failure and Crash
After switching to the approach frequency, the captain requested an expedited return to the airport. The approach controller issued instructions for a turn back. At 0918, the captain declared a Mayday for an engine failure. Less than 20 seconds later, he transmitted that the aircraft had experienced a double engine failure. The aircraft crashed at a major traffic intersection at 0920, striking traffic signals and several vehicles.
Injuries and Damage
All seven aircraft occupants and several vehicle occupants were seriously injured. One passenger subsequently died from his injuries. The aircraft sustained extensive structural damage, with the wings and engines tearing off along the wreckage trail. A small post-crash fire occurred in the right wing and engine area.
Probable Cause Findings
The official investigation identified the following causes and contributing factors: 1) the pilot did not correctly calculate the fuel required for the flight and did not ensure sufficient fuel; 2) the ILS approach was flown above the glideslope and beyond the missed approach point; 3) during the missed approach, the engines lost power due to fuel exhaustion, leading to a forced landing; 4) the pilot did not ensure the aircraft was equipped with an autopilot as specified by regulations. Additionally, the company failed to provide an adequate level of supervision, the operations manual did not reflect current procedures, the flight departed without adequate fuel reserves, and no safety system was in place to prevent fuel exhaustion. The pilot did not advise air traffic control of the critical situation in a timely manner.