Runway excursion involving aircraft during landing

No fatalities • Kangiqsualujjuaq (Wakeham Bay), Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ditch following touchdown, resulting in no injuries but significant damage to the plane.

What happened

During the landing phase of the flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control immediately after making contact with the runway. Following the initial touchdown, the plane drifted from the paved surface and exited the runway area. The movement continued until the aircraft struck a ditch, where it eventually came to a stop.

Despite the impact with the terrain, all 13 occupants on board were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury. While there were no casualties, the incident resulted in the aircraft being declared a total loss due to damage that was beyond repair.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor leading to the excursion was the presence of strong crosswinds during the landing sequence, which prevented the crew from maintaining the centerline after touchdown.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the runway due to the impact of heavy crosswinds during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-10-26 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Kangiqsualujjuaq (Wakeham Bay), Canada?

An aircraft veered off the runway and entered a ditch following touchdown, resulting in no injuries but significant damage to the plane.

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-10-26 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-10-26 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration C-GBJE, operated by Air Inuit, at Kangiqsualujjuaq (Wakeham Bay), Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the runway due to the impact of heavy crosswinds during the landing roll.

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