On November 3, 2023, a Beech King Air A100 aircraft, registered C-GJJF, was involved in an accident at Wemindji Airport (CYNC) while conducting a medical evacuation flight. The aircraft touched down on the runway and struck a snow windrow, causing damage to the left main landing gear and propeller. Despite minor injuries to one of the passengers, the crew managed to secure the aircraft and evacuate the occupants without assistance. An investigation by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has been conducted to determine the causes of the accident.
The incident occurred when Propair Inc.'s dispatch received a call from the aeromedical evacuation coordination centre requesting a flight from CYNC to Chisasibi Airport (CSU2). The crew, consisting of two pilots and three mission personnel, arrived at Rouyn-Noranda Airport (CYUY) around 2230 to prepare for the flight. The RSC NOTAM for the runway at CYNC and weather conditions were checked before deciding to conduct the medical evacuation to Montréal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (CYUL).
The airport register indicated that the daily inspection of facilities, including movement areas, had been completed by the vehicle operator on the morning of November 3, after the snow had been removed. However, the pilot of the first aircraft with a scheduled flight landed on Runway 28 without reporting the snow windrows to either the airport operator or NAV CANADA.
The accident occurred when the Beech King Air A100 took off from Runway 26 at CYUY bound for CYNC. The crew followed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and pilot's operating manual (POM), but failed to note the snow windrows on the runway during their approach. The aircraft struck the windrow, causing damage to the left main landing gear and propeller.
The investigation has found that the snow windrows were not adequately cleared from the runway, and that the pilots' failure to report them to the airport operator or NAV CANADA contributed to the accident. Additionally, the lack of training for the vehicle operator responsible for winter maintenance on the day of the occurrence was identified as a contributing factor.
The TSB has completed laboratory reports in support of this investigation, including analysis of the aircraft's flight path and speed data, GPS units, and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) data. The findings of the investigation will be published in a final report, which is expected to provide recommendations for improving airport safety and reducing the risk of similar accidents.
The accident highlights the importance of ensuring that airports are properly maintained and that pilots follow standard operating procedures when conducting flights. It also emphasizes the need for adequate training for airport personnel and crew members.
In conclusion, the investigation into the Wemindji Airport accident has identified several contributing factors, including inadequate snow clearing, pilot error, and lack of training. The TSB's findings will provide valuable insights into how to improve airport safety and reduce the risk of similar accidents.