Double engine failure and crash near Winnipeg International Airport

1 fatality • Winnipeg, Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight from Gunisao Lake to Winnipeg ended in a crash at a road intersection following a dual engine failure during a missed approach.

What happened

On a scheduled instrument flight from Gunisao Lake, Manitoba, to Winnipeg, the aircraft KEE208, a twin-engine aircraft, was performing an instrument landing system approach to Runway 13 at Winnipeg International Airport. During the approach, the pilot maintained an airspeed higher than standard and remained significantly above the established glide path. Upon exiting the cloud cover, the aircraft was not properly aligned for a safe landing.

In response to the unstable approach, the captain initiated a missed approach at 09:16. While transitioning from the tower frequency to the approach frequency and requesting an urgent return to the airport, the pilot reported an engine failure at 09:18. Within approximately 20 seconds, the crew reported that both engines had failed.

At 09:20, the aircraft impacted a large traffic intersection, striking multiple vehicles and traffic signals. The impact caused the wings and engines to separate from the fuselage, leaving a debris trail. A small fire ignited in the area of the right engine and wing. The accident resulted in eight serious injuries among the aircraft occupants, including one fatality among the passengers, and several injuries to individuals in the vehicles involved.

Findings

Investigation into the sequence of events indicates that the pilot was operating at an excessive approach speed and altitude. The primary factor leading to the crash was the sudden loss of power from both engines during the missed approach procedure.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered a simultaneous failure of both engines during a missed approach, leading to a crash at a road intersection.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-06-11 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Winnipeg, Canada?

A flight from Gunisao Lake to Winnipeg ended in a crash at a road intersection following a dual engine failure during a missed approach.

Were there any fatalities in the 2002-06-11 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-06-11 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration C-GPOW, operated by Keystone Air Service, at Winnipeg, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft suffered a simultaneous failure of both engines during a missed approach, leading to a crash at a road intersection.

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