Occurrence
On 15 November 2018, PAL Airlines flight PVL1922, a Bombardier DHC-8-315 aircraft (registration C-FPAE, serial number 562), departed Churchill Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador, on an instrument flight rules flight to Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, with 4 crew members and 47 passengers on board. At 1057 Newfoundland Standard Time, during the approach at Deer Lake, the flight crew selected the landing gear down. However, a weight on wheels caution light as well as advisory lights illuminated, indicating that the nose landing gear was not in the down-and-locked position.
Emergency Diversion
The flight crew executed a missed approach and entered a holding pattern to troubleshoot the problem. At 1202, the flight crew requested a diversion to Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, and declared an emergency. At 1230, the aircraft landed at Stephenville with the nose landing gear in a partially extended position.
Landing and Damage
On touchdown, the nose landing gear fully collapsed, and the aircraft nose structure came into contact with the runway surface. The aircraft slid and came to a stop approximately halfway down the runway. All occupants on board egressed the aircraft, and no injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained minor damage. There was no post-impact fire, and the impact forces were insufficient to automatically activate the emergency locator transmitter. The accident occurred during the hours of daylight.