What happened
On a flight from Kenora to Dryden, Ontario, a Fairchild Metro SA-227-AC, registration C-FFZN, experienced a runway excursion during landing on runway 11. While performing an ILS approach, the aircraft became high and fast. The aircraft crossed the runway threshold at approximately 150 knots, significantly exceeding the calculated reference speed. Although the pilot touched down with roughly 2000 feet of runway remaining, the aircraft could not be stopped within the available distance. The aircraft ran off the end of the runway, colliding with approach lights and the localizer antenna. The impact caused substantial damage to the aircraft structure, landing gear, and propellers. During the event, passengers noted a fire in the left engine tailpipe, and the crew eventually discharged the right engine's fire bottle.
The investigation
The TSB examined the aircraft's flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder, and various cockpit instruments. Investigators found that several instruments, including the captain's altimeter and the radar altimeter, were unserviceable, though these were not determined to be contributing factors to the accident. The investigation also reviewed the runway surface conditions, noting that an error in the weather report had led the crew to believe a wider strip of the runway had been swept of frost than was actually the case. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the crew's decision-making, the effectiveness of the evacuation, and the lack of notification to the local Emergency Response Services.