Description
On 17 January, 2004 a Cessna 208 Caravan operated by Georgian Express, took off from Pellee Island, Ontario, Canada, at a weight significantly greater than maximum permitted and with ice visible on the airframe. Shortly after take off, the pilot lost control of the aircraft and it crashed into a frozen lake.
Synopsis
The following is an extract from the official accident Report published by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada:
“[…] Cessna 208B Caravan […] was on a flight from Pelee Island, Ontario, to Windsor, Ontario, with one pilot and nine passengers on board. The aircraft took off from Runway 27 at approximately 1638 eastern standard time and used most of the 3300-foot runway for the take-off run. It then climbed out at a very shallow angle while turning north over the frozen surface of Lake Erie toward Windsor. The aircraft struck the surface of the lake approximately 1.6 nautical miles from the departure end of the runway. All 10 persons on board were fatally injured.”
The Report states that prior to the accident and after completing the previous flight, concerns were raised to the pilot about the accumulation of ice. In response:
“[…] The pilot was observed to visually check the leading edge of the wing; however, he did not voice any concern and proceeded with loading the passengers and cargo.”
Furthermore, the Report describes the responsibilities of the pilot under the self-dispatch program, which include the completion of weight and balance calculations before each flight. Weight and balance calculations for the accident flight were not made. The Report uncovers that:
