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2 fatalities

Night Cargo Flight Crashes into Lake Ontario, Both Pilots Killed (C-GJDX)

Hamilton, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 11, 1988, a Swearingen SA226 Metro II (registration C-GJDX) operated by Air Niagara Express was involved in an aviation accident near Hamilton, Canada during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The following findings were identified: - Both engines were running when the plane hit the water. It did not simply fall out of the sky. It was in a spiral dive with full power when it hit the lake surface. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A cargo flight from Toronto to Hamilton crashed into Lake Ontario during descent in good weather. Both pilots were killed. Investigators found both engines running and electrical systems working at impact.

Accident Overview

A short night cargo flight departed Toronto-Lester Bowes Pearson Airport en route to Hamilton. While descending in good weather conditions, the aircraft went out of control and crashed into Lake Ontario, a few kilometers off Hamilton. Both pilots, Peter Saykin and Mark Kostiuk, were killed.

Investigation Findings

According to the official findings, both engines were running when the aircraft struck the water. The aircraft entered a spiral dive and maintained full power until impact. Both electrical systems were functional at the time of the crash, and no evidence suggested a failure in the control system. There was no in-flight explosion. The sequence of events unfolded so rapidly that neither pilot had time to transmit a distress call.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Feb 1988 Swearingen SA226 Metro II accident near Hamilton, Canada?

A cargo flight from Toronto to Hamilton crashed into Lake Ontario during descent in good weather. Both pilots were killed. Investigators found both engines running and electrical systems working at impact.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Feb 1988 Swearingen SA226 Metro II accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Feb 1988 involved a Swearingen SA226 Metro II, registration C-GJDX, operated by Air Niagara Express, at Hamilton, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The following findings were identified: - Both engines were running when the plane hit the water. It did not simply fall out of the sky. It was in a spiral dive with full power when it hit the lake surface. - Both electrical systems were working when the plane crashed. There is also nothing to suggest a failure in…

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