Occurrence
On a flight from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario, to Calgary International Airport, Alberta, a Jetsgo McDonnell Douglas DC-9-83 (registration C-FRYH, serial number 53520) operating as JGO191 conducted an instrument landing system (ILS) approach to Runway 34. The aircraft touched down at 1956 mountain standard time (MST) left of the centreline, departed the left side of the runway, and travelled 1600 feet before executing a missed approach. During the ground excursion, a hold short sign was struck and destroyed. The aircraft was vectored for a second ILS approach and landed at 2010 MST. There was minor damage to the aircraft, and no injuries were reported among the 78 passengers and 6 crew members.
Weather and Runway Conditions
A special weather observation at 1932 MST reported wind 040° true (T) at 6 knots, visibility ¼ statute mile in light snow and freezing fog, runway visual range (RVR) for Runway 34 at 2800 feet, and ceiling 100 feet above ground level (agl). The 2000 MST observation showed wind 040° T at 7 knots, visibility ½ statute mile in freezing fog, ceiling overcast at 400 feet agl, temperature −4°C, dew point −6°C, and altimeter 29.74. The RVR for Runway 34 was 1400 feet. The runway light setting was five.
Flight Crew
The flight crew were licensed in accordance with the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). Their flight duty days were within prescribed regulations and both pilots were rested.
Aircraft and Approach
Radar vectors positioned JGO191 for a Category I ILS approach to Runway 34. Approach clearance was given with an RVR of 1600 feet. Calgary Tower cleared the aircraft to land, advising that the preceding aircraft had sighted the approach lights at decision height (DH) and that the current RVR was 1400 feet. The captain, as pilot flying (PF) from the left seat, flew the approach with the autopilot coupled to the ILS receiver and autothrottles engaged, maintaining about 135 knots. At DH (1954:55), the captain visually acquired the approach lights and called for a landing. The autopilot was disconnected at 1955:05, approximately 65 feet above aerodrome elevation. The PF rolled into a 10° left bank, resulting in a 5° left heading change. The pilot not flying (PNF) noted the aircraft drifting left and advised the PF, who acknowledged and continued the landing. Touchdown occurred at 1955:13, approximately 1400 feet from the threshold and 80 feet left of the centreline, on a magnetic track of about 335°. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway 1600 feet from the threshold, paralleling the runway about 71 feet from the edge. Take-off power was applied at 1955:17 for a go-around. While on the ground, the aircraft's left outer flap struck a hold short sign south of Runway 07/25, then crossed Runway 07/25 and struck and destroyed another hold short sign with the left main landing gear before lifting off at 1955:25. The aircraft was on the ground for approximately 1800 feet and 11.5 seconds.
Findings
The investigation found that there were insufficient visual cues during the landing phase to enable the pilots to judge the aircraft's orientation to the runway, resulting in the aircraft landing left of the centreline and failing to remain on the runway. Additionally, the current regulations allow approaches and landings to be carried out in low visibility, increasing the risk of an ineffective transition to visual flight.