Flight Details
A Voyageur Airways Beechcraft A100 aircraft, registration C-GILM, was operating a medevac flight from Winnipeg/James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, Manitoba (YWG) to Sioux Lookout Airport, Ontario (YXL). The crew consisted of two pilots and two paramedics. The flight was a return leg without a patient on board.
Approach and Landing
The weather reported included wind from 060 degrees at two knots, visibility three statute miles in freezing drizzle, and an overcast ceiling at 400 feet above ground level (AGL). The first officer was at the controls and attempted two full non-directional beacon (NDB) approaches for runway 34, both resulting in missed approaches. The captain then took control and conducted a full NDB approach for runway 34. On final approach, the crew had the runway in sight and the aircraft was aligned with the runway, but the aircraft was high on the approach. The captain called for full flap and pushed the propeller controls forward to help slow the aircraft. The aircraft developed a high rate of descent that was not fully arrested before the aircraft contacted the runway firmly with the left main landing gear.
Post-Landing Findings
After landing, the aircraft was taxied partway to the company ramp, but the aircraft began pulling noticeably to the left. Inspection revealed that the scissors for the left main landing gear had failed and the main wheels were turned slightly out of alignment. A heavy-landing inspection conducted by company maintenance and operational personnel determined that, in addition to the scissors damage, the rear spar of the left wing had failed in the vicinity of a pass-through hole for the flap actuator. The damage was reported to be overload in nature and consistent with the effects of landing hard on the left main wheel.
Weather and Icing Conditions
During the approaches, the aircraft was above cloud during the penetration turns and was only in cloud during the final approach phases. A small amount of ice accumulated on the aircraft while in cloud—approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch on the spinner remained after landing. The de-icing equipment was functioning and was used during the flight.