Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Swearinggen SA226 TC Metro II C-GJDX

Explore the tragic crash site of the Swearingen SA226 TC Metro II in Lake Ontario, where both crew members lost their lives during a ferry flight.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Swearingen SA226 TC Metro II
  • Type: Aircraft
  • Year Built: 1974
  • Builder: Swearingen Aircraft Corporation
  • Dimensions:
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: Lake Ontario, Ontario, Canada
  • Official Number: C-GJDX
  • Original Owners: Air Niagara

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Aircraft Type: Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II

Description

The Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II was a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed for regional airline service. It was known for its reliability and efficiency in short-haul flights.

History

The aircraft, registered as C-GJDX, was operated by Air Niagara and had its first flight in 1974. It was involved in a ferry flight from Toronto-Pearson International Airport to Hamilton Airport when it tragically crashed into Lake Ontario.

Significant Incidents

  • Fatalities: 2 crew members lost their lives in the crash.
  • Nature of Flight: The aircraft was on a ferry/positioning flight at the time of the accident.

Final Disposition

The aircraft was destroyed beyond repair upon impact with the water and is presumed to be scattered across the lakebed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Accessibility to the wreck site is presumed difficult due to its submerged nature. The condition of the wreck is likely poor, given the impact and subsequent submersion.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”swearinggen-sa226-tc-metro-ii-c-gjdx” title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The crash of the Swearingen SA226 TC Metro II C-GJDX serves as a reminder of the risks associated with ferry flights. Ongoing research and safety improvements are essential to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

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.

swearinggen-sa226-tc-metro-ii-c-gjdx 1988-03-14 07:49:00