What happened
A SOCATA TBM 700N, registered as C-FBKK, departed from Ottawa/Carp Airport in Ontario under instrument flight rules. While the original flight plan was intended for Goderich, Ontario, the pilot modified the destination to Wiarton, Ontario, shortly after departure. After receiving clearance from air traffic control to climb to flight level 260, the aircraft continued past its assigned altitude and entered a right-hand turn. This maneuver transitioned into a spiral dive.
The aircraft impacted the ground at approximately 12:19 EDT, leading to the total destruction of the airframe. A post-impact fire occurred, consuming portions of the wreckage. The pilot was the only person on board and sustained fatal injuries. Due to damage sustained during the impact, the onboard 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter failed to transmit a signal to the SARSAT tracking system.
Findings
Investigators determined that the aircraft struck the terrain after the pilot lost control for reasons that could not be definitively established. The investigation noted that the pilot lost control of the aircraft, leading to the collision with the ground.
Additionally, investigators highlighted a significant risk factor regarding high-altitude operations: flying above 13,000 feet without an accessible emergency oxygen supply increases the likelihood of pilot incapacitation via hypoxia if depressurization occurs. While the aircraft's avionics were capable of capturing critical flight data, the recording medium was destroyed during the accident, limiting the available forensic evidence.