What happened
On the evening of February 2015, a Jazz Aviation LP de Havilland DHC-8-102, registered C-GTAI, was performing a scheduled service from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport to Sault Ste. Marie Airport, Ontario. During the approach to Runway 30, the aircraft encountered twilight conditions and visibility was significantly reduced by blowing snow.
As the aircraft descended, it made contact with the ground approximately 450 feet before reaching the runway threshold. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck an approach light structure. The aircraft eventually came to a halt on the runway surface, roughly 1500 feet beyond the threshold. While there were no injuries to the passengers or crew, the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and environmental conditions during the final approach. Investigators examined the impact with the runway approach lights and the aircraft's position relative to the runway threshold during the landing phase.