What happened
A chartered flight operated by Myrand Aviation Inc. was conducting an instrument flight rules approach to Chibougamau/Chapais Airport in Quebec. The crew, consisting of two pilots, was operating a Beechcraft A100, registration C-FMAI. During the approach for Runway 05, the pilot-in-command took control of the aircraft less than one mile from the threshold. Due to the aircraft's altitude and a tailwind on a wet runway, the wheels touched down approximately 1500 feet from the end of the runway.
Upon realizing the remaining distance was insufficient to stop, the pilot-in-command attempted to execute a missed approach by applying full power and instructing the co-pilot to retract the flaps. However, the pilot did not communicate this intention to the co-pilot. Believing the pilot-in-command had mistakenly moved the power levers instead of the propeller pitch controls, the co-pilot applied maximum braking and reverse pitch. The aircraft subsequently rolled through the end of the runway, sank into gravel and snow, and came to a stop 500 feet past the runway threshold. There were no injuries to the five occupants.
The investigation
The TSB examined the flight crew's adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation reviewed the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and radar data, which showed the aircraft crossed the threshold at 1700 feet ASL. The investigation also looked into the company's management structure, noting that the pilot-in-command held several executive roles, including president and maintenance coordinator.
Findings
- The aircraft was positioned over the runway threshold at an altitude that prevented a landing at the start of the runway; this, along with a wet surface and tailwind, caused the excursion.
- A failure to follow standard operating procedures and a lack of crew coordination led to confusion during the landing, preventing a successful missed approach.
- The pilot-in-command's management positions within the company, combined with the disparity in flight experience between the two pilots, negatively impacted crew cohesiveness.
- The crew failed to monitor deteriorating weather observations, which had placed the ceiling below prescribed minima.
- The decision to fly an approach for Runway 05 without confirming the position of other traffic increased the risk of collision.