What happened
During an arrival at Vancouver Airport, an aircraft encountered significantly reduced visibility caused by dense fog and high winds, with horizontal visibility measuring only 200 meters. During the landing sequence, the flight crew utilized an incorrect approach configuration. The aircraft touched down approximately 1,000 feet beyond the runway threshold and drifted to the right of the centerline.
Upon making contact with the runway, the captain initiated a go-around maneuver; however, the crew lost control of the aircraft during this process. The plane veered toward the right side of the runway, crossed the tarmac, and ultimately struck a terminal building. The accident resulted in 2 fatalities, including the co-pilot and one individual located inside the terminal. Among the remaining occupants, 17 injuries were reported, while 43 people escaped without harm. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified several critical contributing factors. The crew utilized an improper configuration for the approach, which was characterized by an excessive approach speed and an insufficient rate of descent. Furthermore, investigators determined that extreme fatigue played a major role in the incident, as both pilots had been on duty for more than 21 hours, significantly impairing their operational performance and concentration.