What happened
On 24 February 2020, a Fairchild SA227-DC Metro 23, registered as C-GJVB, was performing a visual flight rules flight from Dryden Regional Airport, Ontario, to Sioux Lookout Airport, Ontario. The aircraft, operated by Perimeter Aviation LP as Bearskin Airlines flight 344, was carrying two crew members and six passengers.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 12 at approximately 1610 Central Standard Time, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control. The plane exited the right side of the runway roughly 150 metres from the runway threshold lights and collided with a frozen snowbank. The aircraft eventually stopped in an upright position about 18 metres from the runway edge, embedded in approximately 46 cm of snow. While the crew and passengers were able to exit through the main cabin door, one passenger sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft suffered substantial damage. The emergency locator transmitter failed to activate during the event.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the loss of control during the takeoff roll. Investigators examined the sequence of events and the operational procedures in place at the time of the accident.