On September 20, 2001, a Swearingen SA226AT Merlin IV (registration C-GWSL) operated by Max Aviation - Canada was involved in an aviation accident near Kuujjuaq (ex Fort Chimo), Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a landing at Kuujjuaq-Fort Chimo Airport, the aircraft touched down hard after a rapid deceleration during flare. Post-flight inspection revealed structural deformations around the nose wheel attachment point and wings with fuel leakage.
Approach and Landing
The approach to Kuujjuaq-Fort Chimo Airport was stable but slightly below the VASIS descent profile. Just before the flare, when power was reduced to idle, the crew experienced a rapid deceleration that they described as surprising. The subsequent touchdown on the runway was hard.
Post-Landing Findings
After the engines were shut down at the terminal, the crew observed structural deformations around the nose wheel attachment point and on the wings. The deformations on the wings caused fuel to leak.
Runway and Environmental Conditions
Runway 31 at Kuujjuaq-Fort Chimo Airport slopes upward by 1.3 percent. The landing occurred at twilight, and the crew reported that the runway environment appeared very dark due to the lack of reflection from the gravel surface.
