What happened
On a charter mission originating from Iqaluit, Northwest Territories, a DHC-6 Twin Otter operated by First Air departed at 1258 UTC. The flight was tasked with transporting six barrels of Jet B fuel to Markham Bay, an unpaved landing site. Shortly after departure, the captain communicated an expected arrival time of 1335 UTC to the Iqaluit Flight Service Station.
At roughly 1345 UTC, the flight crew notified dispatch that they were proceeding to land at the Markham Bay site. Following the initial touchdown, the pilot attempted to overshoot the landing area. During this maneuver, the aircraft made contact with the ground approximately 200 metres beyond the end of the landing strip. Although the plane briefly regained altitude and cleared a nearby ridge, it ultimately crashed onto a rocky beach. The wreckage was discovered by a helicopter, positioned 629 metres from the start of the landing area and partially submerged in water. The two fatalities involved were both members of the flight crew.
Findings
- The accident occurred during an attempted overshoot following the landing touchdown.