Pacific Western Airlines Flight 314 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight that tragically crashed while attempting to land at Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport in British Columbia. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8, was carrying a total of 49 people when it encountered severe weather conditions, including low visibility and fog, on February 11, 1978. As the pilots made their approach, the plane struggled to maintain altitude and control, resulting in a disastrous impact with terrain just short of the airport runway.

Rescue operations began swiftly, but the harsh conditions hindered efforts to reach the wreckage. Upon reaching the site, it was confirmed that 42 occupants perished in the crash, while seven others managed to survive, suffering from various degrees of injuries. The survivors were promptly taken to local hospitals for treatment. The loss of life and the harrowing experiences of the survivors shocked the local community and the broader aviation industry, leading to calls for improved safety measures.

In the aftermath of the incident, investigations were launched to ascertain the causes and contributing factors. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada conducted a thorough examination, focusing on pilot error, weather conditions, and the adequacy of airport facilities. Their findings sparked discussions regarding stricter regulations surrounding flight operations in adverse weather conditions and ultimately contributed to enhancements in training protocols for pilots in similar circumstances.