What happened
On 20 March 2018, a Bombardier DHC-8-402 operated by WestJet Encore was performing an approach to the Nanaimo Airport in British Columbia. During the descent, the crew identified the presence of smoke within the aircraft cabin. In response to the developing situation, the flight crew declared an emergency.
The aircraft successfully completed its landing at the Nanaimo Airport. Following the touchdown, the passengers and crew members performed an evacuation onto the airport runway. No injuries were reported during the incident.
The investigation
The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the event, which focused on the circumstances surrounding the smoke detection and the subsequent emergency procedures. The investigation examined the conditions inside the cockpit and cabin during the approach and the execution of the evacuation.