Runway overrun during aborted takeoff

No fatalities • Calgary, Canada • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft failed to stop during an emergency braking maneuver on a contaminated runway, resulting in a runway excursion and hull loss.

What happened

During the initial stages of a takeoff roll, the flight crew encountered difficult surface conditions on the runway, which was covered in melted snow. As the aircraft attempted to accelerate, it failed to reach the necessary rotation speed due to the slippery nature of the runway surface.

In response to the lack of sufficient airspeed, the captain elected to abort the takeoff procedure. The crew immediately applied emergency braking to halt the movement of the plane. However, the contaminated runway prevented the aircraft from stopping within the available runway length. The plane subsequently overran the end of the pavement and came to a stop several dozen meters past the threshold.

While there were no injuries reported among the occupants, the aircraft sustained damage that was determined to be beyond economical repair.

Findings

  • The primary factor in the excursion was the presence of melted snow on the runway surface, which compromised braking effectiveness during the aborted takeoff attempt.

Probable cause

The inability to stop within the remaining runway distance due to contaminated surface conditions during an aborted takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1982-05-07 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Calgary, Canada?

An aircraft failed to stop during an emergency braking maneuver on a contaminated runway, resulting in a runway excursion and hull loss.

Were there any fatalities in the 1982-05-07 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1982-05-07 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration C-FQHF, operated by Kenn Borek Air, at Calgary, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inability to stop within the remaining runway distance due to contaminated surface conditions during an aborted takeoff.

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