Last updated: 23 April 2021
| Status: | Final |
| Date: | Monday 7 December 1998 |
| Time: | 11:11 |
| Type: |  Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2A-26 Islander |
| Operator: | Air Satellite |
| Registration: | C-FCVK |
| MSN: | 2028 |
| First flight: | 1986 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 9778 |
| Engines: | 2 Lycoming O-540-E4C5 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 2 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 6 / Occupants: 8 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 7 / Occupants: 10 |
| Aircraft damage: | Damaged beyond repair |
| Location: | Baie Comeau Airport, QC (YBC) ( Canada)
|
| Phase: | Initial climb (ICL) |
| Nature: | Domestic Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Baie Comeau Airport, QC (YBC/CYBC), Canada |
| Rimouski Airport, QC (YXK/CYXK), Canada | |
| Flightnumber: | 501 |
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft, which was climbing at approximately 500 feet above sea level, pitched up suddenly and became unstable when the flaps were retracted while entering the cloud layer. The pilot-in-command pushed the control column down to level the aircraft. After deciding that the aircraft could not safely continue the flight, he began turning left to return to Baie-Comeau. While turning, the aircraft rolled rapidly to the left and began to dive. The aircraft crashed into the St. Lawrence River.
Probable Cause:
FINDINGS AS TO CAUSES AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:
1. The aircraft took off with contaminated surfaces, without an inspection by the pilot-in-command. This contamination contributed to reducing the aircraft's performance and to the subsequent stall.
2. At take-off, the aircraft was more than 200 pounds over the maximum allowable take-off weight. This added weight contributed to reducing the aircraft's performance.
3. During the initial climbout, the pilot-in-command did not follow the recommended procedure when he entered an area of wind shear. Consequently, the aircraft lost more speed, contributing to the stall.
4. Insufficient altitude was available for the pilot to recover from the stall and avoid striking the water.
5. The co-pilot's shoulder harness was not installed properly. The co-pilot received serious head injuries because she was not restrained.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
IcingLoss of control
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Baie Comeau Airport, QC to Rimouski Airport, QC as the crow flies is 75 km (47 miles).
Distance from Baie Comeau Airport, QC to Rimouski Airport, QC as the crow flies is 75 km (47 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.
