Communiqués

TSB # A01/2006

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD OF CANADA REPORT CITES ICING AND CREW TRAINING AS MAIN FACTORS IN INVESTIGATION OF INCIDENT AT TIMMINS AIRPORT, ONTARIO

(Gatineau, Quebec, January 17, 2006) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its investigation report (A04O0103) into the stall of a Raytheon B300 (Super King Air) aircraft on approach to Timmins Airport on April 22, 2004.

In its final report, the Board noted that the aircraft stalled at a higher-than-normal airspeed because of ice build up on important flying surfaces of the aircraft and that the aircraft approach speed was well below the normal approach speed. The report makes numerous findings regarding crew training, guidance provided to flight crews and the inadequacy of aircraft systems designed to help prevent such incidents.

The aircraft was on a repositioning flight from Earlton, Ontario, to Timmins when icing conditions were encountered. Anti-icing equipment was in use as the aircraft approached the airport. On final approach, the aircraft stalled and descended about 850 feet. The pilot flying recovered from the stall and the aircraft came within 800 feet of the ground before climbing back to a safe altitude. A second approach was initiated and the aircraft landed at Timmins without further incident. After landing, the flight crew noted 1 to 1½ inches of ice on the aircraft's winglets and some ice on the engine nacelles and fuselage.

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, A04O0103, is also available on this site.