5 fatalities

1983-01-11: Rockwell Sabreliner 65 (N99S) — Sun Oil Company — Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, Canada

Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On January 11, 1983, a Rockwell Sabreliner 65 (registration N99S) operated by Sun Oil Company was involved in an aviation accident near Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, Canada during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control on approach following an internal failure in the low pressure compressor of the right engine while the left engine flamed out and was windmilling at impact. Investigations were unable to determine the cause of these occurrences. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781220833Data APIEditorial standards

On approach to Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson Airport, an airplane rolled left and right, lost altitude, and crashed in a field, bursting into flames. All five occupants were killed, including Sun Oil CEO Ross Henningar.

Incident Overview

On approach to Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson Airport following an uneventful flight from Philadelphia, an airplane experienced rolling motions to the left and right, then lost altitude and crashed in a field. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the aircraft. All five occupants were killed, among them Ross Henningar, President and CEO of Sun Oil Company (Sunoco).

Wreckage Location

The wreckage was found approximately 13 kilometers from the threshold of runway 24R.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a loss of control on approach following an internal failure in the low pressure compressor of the right engine, while the left engine flamed out and was windmilling at impact. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of these engine occurrences.

Additional Findings

It was also noted that the anti-icing systems were not activated prior to the accident, despite icing conditions having been forecasted.