Communiqués

TSB # A18/2005

THE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD OF CANADA'S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT ENVIRONMENT AND CREW DECISION MAKING CONTRIBUTED TO THE AIR CARGO CARRIERS ACCIDENT AT OSHAWA AIRPORT IN 2004

(Gatineau, Quebec, December 8, 2005) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its investigation report (A04O0336) on the attempted landing and crash of an Air Cargo Carriers, Inc. flight from Toledo, Ohio, USA, at the Oshawa Municipal Airport, Ontario, on December 16, 2004.

The TSB investigation revealed that a number of factors contributed to this occurrence, including weather, contaminated runway conditions, and decision making during the preparation and execution of the approach and landing. The report states that the crew planned and attempted a landing on a runway that did not provide the required landing distance. TSB investigators also found that, when the captain attempted a go-around, the aircraft became airborne at a slower-than-normal speed. In addition, investigators discovered that the flight crew had not been advised of a directive issued by the aircraft manufacturer that would have allowed them to use a different approach setting for landing.

On December 16, 2004, the Short Brothers SD3-60 Air Cargo Carriers, Inc. aircraft, Flight SNC2917, landed on Runway 30, which was snow-covered. During the landing, the pilot flying noted poor braking action and observed the runway end lights approaching. He conducted a go-around procedure and the aircraft became airborne, but it started to descend, striking an airport boundary fence. It continued until it struck the ground and then a line of trees where it came to an abrupt stop. The flight crew exited the aircraft and waited for rescue personnel. The aircraft was substantially damaged, and both pilots sustained serious injuries.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault of determine civil or criminal liability.

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The public report, A04O0336, is also available on this site.