Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante crash, Dec 9, 1997 (4 killed)
Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante accident on December 9, 1997 near Little Grand Rapids, Manitoba, Canada with 4 fatalities. Cause: The aircraft was flown at...
- Date: December 9, 1997
- Aircraft: Embraer EMB-110 Bandeirante
- Location: Little Grand Rapids, Manitoba, Canada
- Fatalities: 4
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: The aircraft was flown at low level in marginal weather below the minimum en route and approach altitudes, and after an abrupt turn it descended into the terrain in controlled flight. The pilot may have been affected by a somatogravic illusion after increasing engine power.
A Sowind Air Bandeirante on a scheduled flight from St. Andrews to Little Grand Rapids flew a second approach in low cloud and fog and descended into trees after a series of steep banking turns. The captain and three passengers were killed and the first officer and 12 passengers were seriously injured. The TSB found the aircraft had been flown at very low level below the minimum altitude for commuter operations and noted several operator and oversight deficiencies.