Fatal Runway Overrun at Pukatawagan Airport

Casualties unknown • Cessna 208B, C-FMCB, CA

A Cessna 208B aircraft overran the runway at Pukatawagan, Manitoba, resulting in one fatality and the destruction of the aircraft.

What happened

During a scheduled flight departing Pukatawagan, Manitoba, for The Pas/Grace Lake Airport, a Cessna 208B, registration C-FMCB, failed to reach liftoff speed. As the pilot began the takeoff roll on Runway 33, the aircraft's airspeed stopped increasing, prompting the pilot to reject the takeoff. Despite applying braking and reverse propeller thrust, the aircraft exited the end of the runway and descended into a ravine. The impact with the terrain caused a fuel system rupture and a subsequent post-crash fire. The accident resulted in one fatality and seven minor injuries among the occupants. The aircraft was destroyed in the event.

The investigation

Investigators examined the runway surface, weather conditions, and pilot procedures. The gravel runway had been recently affected by rain, creating soft spots near the taxiway intersection. While the pilot utilized a company-standard takeoff technique, the investigation found that the aircraft's main landing gear lifted momentarily during the roll, suggesting the aircraft was rotated too early or before sufficient speed was attained, thereby increasing aerodynamic drag. Weather analysis revealed gusty winds and potential wind shear in the area. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the terrain beyond the runway end, characterized by a steep 20-foot drop-off and a sharp slope reversal, contributed significantly to the fuel system damage and the intensity of the fire.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the overrun was the pilot's decision to reject the takeoff at a point where insufficient runway remained to bring the aircraft to a complete stop.
  • Reduced acceleration was caused by a combination of soft runway conditions, gusty winds, and the specific takeoff technique used.
  • The steep topography at the end of the runway exacerbated the impact, leading to the fire and complicating the evacuation.
  • The fatality was attributed to the passenger not wearing a shoulder harness, which led to severe injuries during the impact.
  • Ineffective passenger briefings contributed to difficulties during the emergency egress.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to reach liftoff speed due to a combination of soft, wet gravel runway conditions, gusty winds, and a takeoff technique that increased drag. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff too late, leaving insufficient distance to stop the aircraft before it exited the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-07-04 (Missinippi Airways) accident near Cessna 208B, C-FMCB, CA?

A Cessna 208B aircraft overran the runway at Pukatawagan, Manitoba, resulting in one fatality and the destruction of the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-07-04 involved a (Missinippi Airways), operated by Beaver Air Services Limited Partnership, at Cessna 208B, C-FMCB, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to reach liftoff speed due to a combination of soft, wet gravel runway conditions, gusty winds, and a takeoff technique that increased drag. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff too late, leaving insufficient distance to stop the aircraft before it exited the runway.

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