What happened
On 25 March 2024, at approximately 20:15 UTC, a Pilatus PC-12/47, registered as C-FYMN, was performing an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight from Quaqtaq Airport to Kangirsuk Airport in Quebec, Canada. The aircraft, operated by Chrono Aviation Inc., was attempting to land during significant crosswind conditions, with winds reported at 280 degrees at 26 knots and gusts reaching 36 knots.
Upon touchdown, the crew attempted to engage the reverse thrust mechanism. However, the system failed to respond immediately. Roughly five seconds after the initial command, the reverse thrust engaged at maximum power just as the pilot was preparing to initiate a go-around maneuver. This sudden application of power caused the aircraft to lose directional control. The plane veered sideways from the runway at a speed of approximately 20 knots before coming to a stop in the snow. There were no injuries reported, though the aircraft sustained serious damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical behavior of the propulsion system during the landing roll, specifically the delay between the crew's command and the actual deployment of the reverse thrust. The inquiry examined the environmental conditions, including the high-velocity crosswinds present at the time of the accident, and the sequence of pilot inputs leading up to the loss of control.