The pilot of a Piper PA-32R aircraft that crashed into a mountain near Calgary in 2023, killing everyone onboard, continued flying despite encountering clouds and reduced visibility, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has found.
In an investigation report released Oct. 2, the TSB pointed to several factors influencing the pilot’s decision to make the flight on July 28, 2023, which carried five passengers from Calgary/Springbank Airport toward Salmon Arm, B.C.
The journey began as a visual flight rules (VFR) flight but crashed about 15 minutes after takeoff.
“Weather analysis conducted during the investigation indicated that clouds near the occurrence site were likely low, reducing visibility,” the TSB said in its report.
“The pilot’s decision to make the flight was influenced by an incomplete understanding of the weather, familiarity with the route, time pressure, and a personal desire to complete the flight. When the pilot encountered clouds and reduced visibility, for unknown reasons, he decided to continue the flight toward the destination, and, subsequently, the aircraft collided with terrain in the cruise attitude.”
The incident prompted caution from the TSB about maintaining instrument flight rules (IFR) pilot capabilities.
“If pilots don’t practice instrument flying skills regularly, there is a risk that they may not be able to maintain aircraft control and navigate accurately should they inadvertently encounter weather conditions requiring reference to their instruments,” the TSB said.
“Also, if pilots do not complete mountain flying training, there is a risk that they will not be adequately prepared for the conditions encountered when flying over mountainous terrain.”
The full investigation report is available here.
