News release

Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) began the Field Phase of its investigation (A16A0032) into the 29 March 2016 accident in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, involving a Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft. The TSB offers its condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in this accident.

What we know

• A Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 departed St-Hubert, Quebec (CYHU) at 9:31 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), destined for Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, (CYGR).
• The aircraft struck terrain approximately 2 km south-west of Îles-de-la-Madeleine Airport at approximately 11:40 a.m. local time (Atlantic Daylight Time).
• There were two crew members and five passengers on board, all of whom sustained fatal injuries.
• The weather at the time of the accident was light rain and mist, with a visibility of 4 km, and a cloud ceiling of 61 m. The temperature was 0°C and the winds were from the ENE at 37 KPH gusting to 56 KPH.
• The aircraft was not equipped with, nor was it required to carry a Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) or a Flight Data Recorder (FDR); however, the team will be reviewing any electronic components on the aircraft from which they can retrieve data to help understand the flight profile.

Work to date

There are currently seven investigative team members on site. So far, the team has:

• Examined the site (preliminary walk-around)
• Taken photographs of the wreckage
• Been assisted by the Sureté du Québec (surveying), and Canadian Coast Guard (taking aerial photos)

The team will continue working this evening taking measurements and documenting the site.

Next steps

In the coming days, the team will also:

• Examine, document and photograph the aircraft wreckage
• Make arrangements to transfer the aircraft to the TSB Laboratory in Ottawa for further analysis
• Examine terrain features
• Gather additional information about weather conditions
• Gather information on Air Traffic communications and radar information
• Obtain aircraft maintenance records and pilot training records
• Interview witnesses
• Review operational policies
• Examine the regulatory requirements

Communication of safety deficiencies

Investigations are complex and we take the time needed to complete a thorough investigation. However, should the investigation team uncover safety deficiencies that present an immediate risk, the Board will communicate them without delay.

Further, it is important not to draw conclusions or speculate as to causes at this time. It is rarely one issue that leads to an accident.

Additional updates will be provided as required.