Cargo aircraft crash into Lake Ontario near Hamilton

2 fatalities • Hamilton, Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight traveling from Toronto to Hamilton ended in a fatal accident after the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and struck Lake Ontario.

What happened

A night cargo operation departing from Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson Airport resulted in a fatal accident during its approach to Hamilton. While performing a short flight under favorable weather conditions, the aircraft type became uncontrollable during the descent phase. The plane subsequently impacted the surface of Lake Ontario, several kilometers away from the Hamilton area.

The accident resulted in two fatalities, as both members of the flight crew perished in the crash.

Findings

Investigations into the wreckage revealed that both engines were still operational at the moment of impact, indicating that the aircraft did not suffer a total loss of power. The aircraft was observed to be in a spiral dive while maintaining full engine power when it struck the water.

Technical inspections confirmed that the electrical systems remained functional throughout the flight until the crash. Furthermore, there were no indications of any failure within the control systems or any evidence of an in-flight explosion. The sequence of events occurred with such rapid intensity that the crew was unable to transmit a distress signal before the impact.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled spiral dive at full power, occurring too rapidly for the crew to initiate emergency communications.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-02-11 Swearingen SA226 Metro II accident near Hamilton, Canada?

A cargo flight traveling from Toronto to Hamilton ended in a fatal accident after the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent and struck Lake Ontario.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-02-11 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 1988-02-11 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 aircraft entered an uncontrolled spiral dive at full power, occurring too rapidly for the crew to initiate emergency communications.

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