What happened
On a scheduled instrument flight rules service from La Grande 3 to La Grande 4, Quebec, a Convair 340 (registration C-GFHH) experienced a runway excursion during its landing phase. The aircraft, carrying 18 passengers and 4 crew members, made contact with the snow-covered runway approximately 800 feet past the threshold.
Immediately after the nose wheel made contact and the pilot engaged reverse pitch on the propellers, the aircraft began drifting toward the right side of the runway. Despite corrective actions attempted by the captain, the plane continued its lateral movement and exited the south side of Runway 09 while traveling at roughly 50 knots. The aircraft moved across 350 feet of soft, rocky terrain before coming to a stop approximately 120 feet from the runway edge and 2500 feet from the threshold.
Following the excursion, the crew attempted to shut down the engines, but the left engine failed to stop running. Under the captain's direction, the first officer initiated an evacuation of the passenger cabin. Passengers exited the aircraft through the emergency windows located over the right wing. The left engine eventually ceased operation on its own after approximately 15 minutes. The incident resulted in five minor injuries. While the aircraft suffered substantial damage, no fire occurred.
Findings
- The aircraft drifted to the right following the application of reverse pitch.
- The left engine failed to shut down immediately during the post-accident engine shutdown procedure.