No fatalities

WestJet Encore DHC-8-402 Declares Emergency Due to Cabin Smoke, Evacuates at Nanaimo Airport

Nanaimo Airport, British Columbia, CA

On March 20, 2018, a Bombardier DHC-8-402, C-GJEN operated by WestJet Encore Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Nanaimo Airport, British Columbia, CA. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

On 20 March 2018, a WestJet Encore Bombardier DHC-8-402 declared an emergency due to smoke in the cabin, landed at Nanaimo Airport, and evacuated onto the runway with no reported injuries.

Occurrence

On 20 March 2018, a WestJet Encore Bombardier DHC-8-402 was on approach to the Nanaimo Airport in British Columbia. The crew declared an emergency due to smoke in the cabin. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers and crew evacuated onto the runway. No injuries were reported.

Investigation

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) conducted a class 4 investigation. Class 4 investigations are limited in scope and do not contain findings or recommendations. The final report may include limited analysis. Class 4 investigations are typically completed within 220 days.

Media Materials

On 12 July 2018, the TSB released a news report regarding the investigation: "Investigation report: March 2018 in-flight emergency due to smoke in cockpit and cabin at Nanaimo Airport, British Columbia."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Mar 2018 Bombardier DHC-8-402, C-GJEN accident near Nanaimo Airport, British Columbia, CA?

On 20 March 2018, a WestJet Encore Bombardier DHC-8-402 declared an emergency due to smoke in the cabin, landed at Nanaimo Airport, and evacuated onto the runway with no reported injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Mar 2018 Bombardier DHC-8-402, C-GJEN accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Mar 2018 involved a Bombardier DHC-8-402, C-GJEN, operated by WestJet Encore Ltd., at Nanaimo Airport, British Columbia, CA.