What happened
During a multi-day training and familiarization mission, an aircraft operated by the 8 Wing Multi Engine Utility Flight (RCAF) was performing a cross-country flight from 8 Wing Trenton to Thunder Bay Airport. The flight was conducted under Instrument Flight Rules. While executing an RNAV Z 25 instrument approach, the crew transitioned from automated flight to manual control approximately two miles from the runway.
As the aircraft crossed the runway threshold at an altitude of roughly 50 feet, the pilot flying reduced both engines to idle power in preparation for landing. At this moment, the aircraft experienced a sudden left yaw and a rapid descent of the left wing. Although the pilot monitoring attempted to intervene and execute an overshoot, the left wingtip struck the runway surface. The aircraft then slid into the snow-covered infield area. All three crew members were able to exit the aircraft safely.
Findings
Following the impact, the aircraft sustained very serious damage. The flight crew consisted of three members; the pilot flying sustained one minor injury, while the remaining two crew members were uninjured. The sequence of events indicates that the loss of control occurred immediately after the power levers were moved to idle during the final moments of the approach.