What happened
Prior to the accident, the aircraft, registered as FAE064 and HC-BFH, had been involved in an incident in Ecuador that resulted in damage to the undercarriage. To facilitate repairs by De Havilland Canada technicians, a ferry flight was organized from Quito to Calgary. During this transit, the landing gear remained in the extended position.
Upon arriving at Calgary Airport and touching down on runway 28, the nose gear failed. This collapse caused the De Havilland Canada aircraft to slide forward on its nose. The friction and impact resulted in the aircraft bursting into flames. The crew managed to evacuate the cabin quickly, though the engines were not shut down before they exited. The resulting fire, fueled by ignited hydraulic fluids, led to the total destruction of the airframe. Both pilots escaped the wreckage without injury.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating a ferry flight following previous undercarriage damage sustained in Ecuador.
- The nose gear collapsed immediately upon touchdown on runway 28.
- The fire was intensified by the ignition of hydraulic fluids during the sliding motion.