Canada’s Transportation Safety Board released its final report this week on a Caravan crash in which 10 people died in January 2004. Investigators found that the aircraft was over gross by at least 15 percent on takeoff, freezing participation was falling, and ice was visible on the leading edge of the wing. The aircraft climbed out at a shallow angle and stalled less than two miles out, most likely when the flaps were retracted. The Caravan impacted the frozen surface of a lake and sank. There were no survivors. The pilot’s lack of appreciation for the known hazards associated with the overweight condition of the aircraft, ice contamination, and the weather conditions was inconsistent with his previous practices, the safety board said. His decision to take off was likely affected by some combination of stress and fatigue. The pilot had been on duty since 4:45 a.m., and had returned the night before from a trip to California, with only about five hours sleep time. He flew two legs that morning, took a break for a few hours, and was back at the airport at 3 p.m.
Caravan Crash Report Cites Icing, Overload, Fatigue
Key Takeaways:
- A 2004 Caravan crash killed 10 people, caused by the aircraft being at least 15% over gross weight and having visible ice on its wings during takeoff in freezing conditions.
- The aircraft stalled shortly after a shallow climb, likely during flap retraction, less than two miles from takeoff, impacting a frozen lake with no survivors.
- Investigators concluded the pilot's decision to take off, despite known hazards, was likely influenced by a combination of stress and fatigue from a long duty day and insufficient sleep.
See a mistake? Contact us.
