Single-engine aircraft crash near La Crete Airport

1 fatality • La Crete, Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

A single-engine aircraft crashed in a snow-covered field near La Crete Airport during a night descent in low visibility.

What happened

During a nighttime approach to La Crete Airport, a single-engine aircraft encountered deteriorating weather conditions. As the aircraft was descending, the pilot encountered heavy fog, which reduced visibility to approximately 100 metres.

While navigating through these obscured conditions, the aircraft descended to an insufficient altitude. The plane subsequently struck the ground in a field covered in snow, situated a few kilometres northeast of the airport. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. The pilot, who was the only person on board at the time of the accident, was killed in the crash.

Findings

  • The descent occurred during nighttime operations.
  • Visibility was significantly reduced to 100 metres due to fog.
  • The aircraft descended too low before impacting the terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot flew the aircraft at an altitude that was too low while operating in low-visibility fog conditions.

All Piper PA-46 Malibu/Meridian accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-11-17 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident near La Crete, Canada?

A single-engine aircraft crashed in a snow-covered field near La Crete Airport during a night descent in low visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 2012-11-17 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-11-17 involved a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class), registration C-GWEI, operated by 1692614 Alberta, at La Crete, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot flew the aircraft at an altitude that was too low while operating in low-visibility fog conditions.

Loading the flight search…