Accident Details
On October 17, 1999, at about 20:25 Mountain Daylight Time, a Piper PA-46-350P, registration N90D, was substantially damaged during descent to Cranbrook Airport (CYXC), Cranbrook, British Columbia. The sole occupant, a certificated airline transport pilot, was fatally injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the flight, which originated near Lynn Lake (CYYL), Manitoba. The flight was conducted under Canadian flight rules as a ferry operation from England to Spokane, Washington.
Flight History
According to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, the airplane was being ferried from England to Spokane. At the last departure point, Lynn Lake (CYYL), the aircraft was refueled and the pilot filed an IFR flight plan. During the flight, the pilot was in contact with Vancouver Area Control Center. Approaching Cranbrook, the pilot contacted Cranbrook Flight Service Station (FSS) and received the latest airport information. No difficulties with the airplane or flight were reported. The pilot's last transmission with FSS occurred when the aircraft was about 10 miles from the airport. After attempting to contact the airplane, FSS notified the Rescue Coordination Center that the airplane was overdue. An emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was received about 21:55, but the wreckage was not located until the following morning.
Wreckage Location
The airplane was found on the eastern side of Lakit Mountain at the 6,500-foot level, approximately 9 miles northeast of CYXC. The terrain at the accident site was mountainous.
Weather Conditions
The weather reported at Cranbrook Airport at 20:00 was: wind from 300 degrees at 4 knots, scattered clouds at 10,000 feet, and a broken cloud layer at 24,000 feet. Night conditions prevailed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain.