Collision with terrain
2080061 Ontario Inc. (dba SkyCare Air Ambulance)
Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated SA227-TT, C-FRPX
Deer Lake Airport (CYVZ), Ontario
The occurrence
On 19 May 2023, a Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated SA227-TT aircraft operated by 2080061 Ontario Inc. (doing business as SkyCare Air Ambulance) was conducting a flight from Sioux Lookout Airport (CYXL), Ontario, to Deer Lake Airport (CYVZ), Ontario, with 4 crew members and 1 passenger on board.
The aircraft’s flight crew attempted to land on Runway 31 at Deer Lake Airport but conducted a missed approach because of low visibility due to fog. On the 2nd approach, the aircraft struck the ground approximately 100 m before the runway threshold, causing the landing gear to collapse. The aircraft then came to rest on its belly short of the runway.
The captain sustained minor injuries. All occupants were able to exit the aircraft through the over-wing emergency exit. There was no post-impact fire, and the emergency locator transmitter activated. The TSB is investigating.
Media materials
Investigation information
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.