What happened
On a scheduled flight from Toronto-Lester B. Pearson International Airport to Fredericton, New Brunswick, an Air Canada Canadair CL600-2B19 Regional Jet, registered C-FSKI, encountered severe weather conditions upon arrival. The airport was experiencing dense fog with a ceiling of 100 feet and visibility of only one-eighth of a mile.
While performing a Category I instrument landing system approach to runway 15, the pilot-flying disconnected the autopilot at approximately 165 feet above the ground to hand-fly the final portion of the descent. During this phase, the aircraft drifted above the glide path. At roughly 80 feet above the ground, the pilot reduced thrust to idle. Realizing the aircraft was not positioned for a safe landing, the captain ordered a go-around. As the crew attempted to climb by increasing pitch to 10 degrees, the aircraft suffered an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft struck the runway, veered right, and traveled approximately 2100 feet under uncontrolled power before striking a large tree.
During the evacuation, seven passengers remained trapped in the wreckage until they were rescued. Of the 39 passengers and 3 crew members on board, 9 were seriously injured.
The investigation
The TSB examined the wreckage, maintenance records, and flight crew interviews. The investigation confirmed that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft or ground-based navigation aids. The investigation also looked into the adequacy of flight crew training regarding emergency exits and the use of survival equipment. It was noted that the crew lacked practical training on certain emergency exits and were unaware of the availability of a pry bar in the aircraft's emergency kit. Additionally, the investigation found that the lack of runway centerline and touchdown-zone lighting, combined with the low visibility, made it difficult for the crew to maintain the correct flight path during the transition from instrument to visual flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an aerodynamic stall occurring during the go-around maneuver.
- Low visibility and dense fog significantly hindered the crew's ability to maintain the glide path and centerline.
- The decision to disconnect the autopilot prior to reaching the minimum autopilot altitude increased the pilot's workload during a critical phase of flight.
- Inadequate safety management oversight contributed to a lack of specific training for crews transitioning to visual landings in low-visibility, low-energy conditions.