Occurrence
On 31 January 2020, WestJet Encore flight WEN3107, operated with a De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd. DHC-8-402 (registration C-FKWE, serial number 4467), was conducting a flight from Vancouver International Airport to Terrace Airport, British Columbia. The aircraft carried 4 crew members and 43 passengers.
The landing was scheduled for Runway 33 at Terrace Airport. During the landing roll, the aircraft drifted left from the snow-cleared portion of the runway, and the left main landing gear contacted a windrow—a bank of snow. Subsequently, the nose and right main landing gear also impacted the windrow. The aircraft traveled through the uncleared area of the runway, and the left main landing gear departed the runway surface beyond the runway edge lights. The aircraft continued for approximately 400 feet before returning to the runway.
Damage
The runway excursion resulted in the nose landing gear collapsing rearward. Additionally, the right propeller blades sustained damage.
Post-Event Actions
After the aircraft came to a stop, the flight crew requested the services of aircraft rescue and fire fighting. There were no injuries. Approximately 30 minutes after landing, passengers were transported to the airport terminal by bus.
Contributing Factors
The investigation determined that limited visual cues and runway conditions contributed to the runway excursion.
Weather Conditions
The accident occurred during hours of darkness with limited visibility due to snowfall.