What happened
On a charter flight from Yellowknife to Resolute Bay, a Boeing 737-210C operated by First Air was conducting an approach to Runway 35T. The flight, identified by registration FAB6560, was carrying 11 passengers and 4 crew members. During the descent, the crew and company dispatch had previously discussed deteriorating weather at the destination but decided to proceed with the arrival.
As the aircraft approached the runway, the crew engaged in an extended discussion regarding navigation. After reporting 3 nm final, the tower controller cleared the aircraft to land and requested a gear check. The crew's response to this instruction was interrupted by a loss of communication. While the crew was initiating a go-around maneuver, the aircraft struck terrain approximately 1 nm east of the runway midpoint.
Findings
- The accident resulted in 12 fatalities and 3 survivors.
- The collision occurred during the go-around phase of flight.
- The aircraft struck the ground at an elevation of 396 feet above mean sea level.
- Navigation-related discussions between the crew were occurring during the final stages of the approach.