Pilot Fined in January 2011 Crash

Pilot Fined in January 2011 Crash

The pilot of a Cessna 172 from the Regina Flying Club was fined $750 for a crash that happened in January 2011 for violating the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

Transport Canada released this statement:

A commercial pilot operating a Cessna 172 on a VFR flight in uncontrolled airspace encountered deteriorating weather conditions below VFR limits. The pilot decided to continue the flight to the destination aerodrome in less than ideal weather conditions when he subsequently lost visual reference with the ground that resulted in a controlled crash. The pilot was sanctioned with a $750.00 monetary penalty. CAR 602.115 (Minimum Visual Meteorological Conditions for VFR Flight in Uncontrolled Airspace)

January 6, 2011 - The Regina Flying Club Cessna 172RG was returning to Regina, Saskatchewan from Assiniboine when the aircraft encountered deteriorating weather conditions. The pilot requested special VFR flight clearance into Regina, but the weather was below limits. The pilot requested a diversion to Moose Jaw, but the runway was closed. The pilot turned towards a private airstrip located near Lumsden and at low altitude lost visual reference with the ground. The aircraft struck the ground in a level attitude and bounced back into the air. The engine began to run rough and the pilot elected to land in a snow covered field ahead. The pilot extended the landing gear and flaps and upon touchdown the nose gear collapsed. The pilot escaped uninjured; however, the aircraft's propeller and nose gear were damaged. A subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed that the nose gear may have failed to extend due to gear door damage caused by the initial contact with the ground.