No fatalities

Aircraft Destroyed After Landing Short at Toronto-Malton Airport (CF-TGY)

Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On October 3, 1959, a Vickers Viscount (registration CF-TGY) operated by Trans-Canada Air Lines - TCAL was involved in an aviation accident near Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, Canada during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was the consequence of a misjudged approach on part of the flying crew but weather conditions were considered as poor with presence of windshear. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft approaching Toronto-Malton Airport in poor weather with thunderstorm and heavy rain descended below the glide path and struck ground short of runway, shearing undercarriage and engines. All 38 occupants evacuated; 10 injured. Aircraft destroyed.

Incident

On approach to Toronto-Malton Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions including thunderstorm activity and heavy rainfall. The aircraft descended below the glide path during the approach and struck the ground.

Details

Upon impact, the undercarriage and engines were sheared off. The aircraft slid for several yards before coming to rest 3,400 feet short of the runway threshold. All 38 occupants were evacuated from the aircraft. Ten occupants sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of a misjudged approach on the part of the flying crew, but weather conditions were considered as poor with the presence of windshear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Oct 1959 Vickers Viscount accident near Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, Canada?

An aircraft approaching Toronto-Malton Airport in poor weather with thunderstorm and heavy rain descended below the glide path and struck ground short of runway, shearing undercarriage and engines. All 38 occupants evacuated; 10 injured. Aircraft destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Oct 1959 Vickers Viscount accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Oct 1959 involved a Vickers Viscount, registration CF-TGY, operated by Trans-Canada Air Lines - TCAL, at Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was the consequence of a misjudged approach on part of the flying crew but weather conditions were considered as poor with presence of windshear.