Incident Overview

Date: Saturday 17 December 1983
Aircraft Type: de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 200
Owner/operator: Inuvik Coastal Airways
Registration Number: C-FGJK
Location: Paulatuk Airport, NT (YPC) – ÿ Canada
Phase of Flight: Landing
Status: Destroyed, written off
Casualties: Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 12
Component Affected: Aircraft Control System (specifically the left wing)Aircraft Control System (specifically the left wing)
Investigating Agency: CASBCASB
Category: Accident
A Paulatuk aircraft experienced a critical loss of control during a transition from visual to instrument flight due to strong crosswinds and snow. The aircraft contacted the ground, resulting in a cartwheel and overload. The runway alignment was a contributing factor, and the lack of an aerodrome forecast exacerbated the situation.A Paulatuk aircraft experienced a critical loss of control during a transition from visual to instrument flight due to strong crosswinds and snow. The aircraft contacted the ground, resulting in a cartwheel and overload. The runway alignment was a contributing factor, and the lack of an aerodrome forecast exacerbated the situation.

Description

Weather conditions for Paulatuk included a strong crosswind at 25-30 knots and blowing snow. The pilot attempted to carry out an overshoot, but the left wing contacted the ground and the aircraft cartwheeled. This happened during a transition from visual to instrument flight. The aircraft was overloaded by 840 lb. FINDINGS: 1.The Paulatuk aerodrome runway is not oriented to correspond with the prevailing winds.; 2. Environment Canada does not produce an aerodrome forecast for Paulatuk.; 3. As the aircraft landed, the cross-wind from the right increased appreciably reducing visibility in blowing snow.; 4. During the overshoot, as the pilot was making the transition from visual to instrument flight conditions, control of the aircraft was lost.; 5. The aircraft was overloaded.”

Primary Cause

Strong crosswind conditions and the pilot’s attempted overshoot, leading to aircraft overload.Strong crosswind conditions and the pilot’s attempted overshoot, leading to aircraft overload.

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