AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT: Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II (C-GJDX)

IDENTIFICATION & INCIDENT DETAILS

  • Aircraft Type: Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II
  • Operator: Air Niagara
  • Registration: C-GJDX
  • Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN): TC-211EE
  • First Flight: 1974
  • Phase of Flight: En Route (ENR)
  • Nature of Flight: Ferry/positioning
  • Departure Airport: Toronto-Pearson International Airport (YYZ/CYYZ), Ontario, Canada
  • Destination Airport: Hamilton Airport (YHM/CYHM), Ontario, Canada
  • CASUALTIES
    • Crew: 2 (Both fatalities)
    • Passengers: 0
    • Total Occupants: 2
    • Fatalities: 2

NARRATIVE

On , the Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II operated by Air Niagara departed Toronto-Pearson International Airport on a Ferry flight to Hamilton Airport. During the flight, the aircraft tragically crashed into Lake Ontario, resulting in the loss of both crew members. The aircraft was destroyed beyond repair.

The exact cause of the crash and contributing factors are not detailed in available reports. The incident occurred during the en route phase, which may suggest possible mechanical failure, adverse weather, or other operational challenges as potential causes.

WRECK INFORMATION

  • Location: Lake Ontario, Ontario, Canada
  • Depth: Not specified in reports
  • Accessibility: Presumed difficult due to the submerged wreck site.
  • Condition: The aircraft was destroyed on impact and is likely scattered across the lakebed.

RESOURCES & LINKS

  • ICAO Adrep 1/88: Official record of aviation incidents and accidents.
  • Aviation Safety Network: Aviation Safety Database
  • Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives: Comprehensive records of aviation accidents.
  • Google Books: Historical publications and records for additional context.

SIGNIFICANCE

The loss of the C-GJDX underscores the inherent risks of Ferry and positioning flights, which often involve minimal crew and reduced oversight compared to commercial operations. This accident highlights the critical need for comprehensive investigation into mechanical, environmental, and human factors to prevent future occurrences.

KEYWORDS

C-GJDX, Swearingen Metro II crash, Lake Ontario aviation accident, Air Niagara, 1988 Ferry flight crash, aircraft wreck Lake Ontario

CONCLUSION

The crash of Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II C-GJDX represents a tragic event in Canadian aviation history. The loss of two crew members highlights the importance of ongoing research and safety improvements for Ferry operations. Further exploration of the wreck site and related data may provide additional insights into the causes of this disaster.