Approach accident at Toronto-Malton Airport

No fatalities • Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, Canada • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold during a heavy thunderstorm approach at Toronto-Malton Airport, resulting in several injuries.

What happened

During an approach to Toronto-Malton Airport, the flight crew encountered severe weather characterized by intense rainfall and active thunderstorms. While attempting to land, the aircraft descended beneath the established glide path and made contact with the ground. The impact caused the engines and undercarriage to be sheared from the airframe. Following the collision, the plane slid across the terrain for a distance of several yards, eventually coming to a stop approximately 3,400 feet before reaching the runway threshold.

All 38 occupants were successfully evacuated from the wreckage. Among those rescued, ten individuals sustained injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed during the sequence of events.

Findings

Investigations into the accident identified that the crew performed a misjudged approach amidst deteriorating environmental conditions. While the presence of windshear and heavy precipitation contributed to the difficulty of the flight, the primary factor was the failure to maintain the proper glide slope during the descent.

Probable cause

The crash resulted from an improperly managed approach by the crew while operating in severe weather and windshear conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1959-10-03 Vickers Viscount accident near Toronto-Lester Bowles Pearson, Canada?

An aircraft struck the ground short of the runway threshold during a heavy thunderstorm approach at Toronto-Malton Airport, resulting in several injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1959-10-03 Vickers Viscount accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1959-10-03 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 crash resulted from an improperly managed approach by the crew while operating in severe weather and windshear conditions.

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