What happened
On the evening of the incident, a single-engine aircraft departed from Sioux Lookout Airport (CYXL) in Ontario, bound for Kasabonika Airport (CYAQ) under instrument flight rules. The flight was carrying a total of eight people, consisting of two pilots and six passengers.
During the approach to Runway 03, the crew utilized an area navigation approach, relying on GPS-coupled autopilot. In accordance with the aircraft's pilot operating handbook, the captain deactivated the autopilot while at 1,000 feet above ground level. The aircraft maintained a ground speed of 120 knots with flaps set to 15 degrees.
The aircraft made contact with the runway approximately 1,200 feet past the threshold at a ground speed of 102 knots. During the initial landing roll, the captain briefly engaged reverse thrust, which caused the plane to yaw slightly. Although the crew returned the thrust reversers to idle and regained directional control, the aircraft continued to travel down the runway. At 19:38, the aircraft skidded and overshot the end of the runway, coming to a stop roughly 350 feet beyond the paved surface. The cabin remained intact, and all eight occupants were able to exit the aircraft through the main door without injury.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a slight yawing motion following the momentary application of reverse thrust.
- The application of full braking after the initial yawing motion failed to prevent the aircraft from overshooting the runway end.