Cargojet Boeing 727-260 Tree Strike During Go-Around at Hamilton

Flight Overview and Incident Details On a night cargo flight from Montréal International (Mirabel) Airport to Hamilton, Ontario, Cargojet Airways Limited flight CJT575, operated by a Boeing 727-260 (registration C-GUJC, serial number 21979), encountered a significant incident during a non-precision approach. The aircraft, carrying three crew members, struck trees 2.7 nautical miles from the threshold of Runway 30 while conducting a go-around in night instrument meteorological conditions. Despite the impact, the crew successfully completed a second approach and landed at 2337 Eastern Standard Time. Post-flight inspections revealed substantial damage to the right wing, right landing gear door, and anti-skid electrical harness, with no injuries reported. ## Approach and Go-Around Sequence The flight departed Mirabel at 2227 after de-icing, with the captain serving as pilot not flying and the first officer as pilot flying. Weather at Hamilton initially reported visual meteorological conditions, but visibility reduced to approximately one mile in snow showers as the aircraft approached. The crew was cleared for a localizer approach to Runway 30. At 2324:21, the enhanced ground proximity warning system generated a “Too Low Terrain” alert as the aircraft descended through approximately 865 feet above sea level. The crew initiated a level-off at approximately 800 feet, followed by a “Pull up” warning at 2324:27, prompting a go-around thrust application. The aircraft struck trees at approximately 768 feet above sea level with a speed of 156 knots. ## Post-Incident Actions and Second Approach After the tree strike, the crew advised air traffic control of a missed approach and intended to perform a second approach to Runway 30. Fuel levels were approaching minimum diversion requirements, and the crew received updated weather information indicating six-mile visibility. The second approach was conducted without a briefing, and the aircraft descended 100 feet below the minimum descent altitude before levelling off and landing successfully. ## Crew and Aircraft Status The crew was certified and qualified for the flight. The captain had over 41,000 total flying hours, including approximately 7,500 on the Boeing 727. The first officer, recently hired, had 7,500 total hours, and the second officer, also new to the company, had 3,750 total hours. The aircraft was certified, equipped, and maintained in accordance with regulations, with no outstanding defects prior to the flight.