Collision with terrain on landing
Fairchild SA227-TT
Skycare Air Ambulance
Deer Lake, Ontario
The occurrence
On 19 May 2023, a Fairchild SA227-TT aircraft operated by Skycare Air Ambulance was conducting a flight from Sioux Lookout, Ontario, to Deer Lake, Ontario, with four crew members and one passenger on board.
The aircraft attempted to land at the Deer Lake Regional Airport, but missed the approach due to low visibility from the fog. On the second approach, the aircraft hit the runway, causing the landing gear to collapse. The aircraft then came to rest on its belly short of the end of the runway.
The captain sustained minor injuries, and the occupants were able to exit the aircraft through the over-wing exit. There was no post-impact fire, and the emergency locator transmitter was activated. The TSB is investigating.
Media materials
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators following a landing accident at the Deer Lake Airport, Ontario
Winnipeg, Manitoba, 19 May 2023 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to the Deer Lake Airport (Ontario), to investigate a landing accident involving a SA227-TT aircraft registered to Skycare Air Ambulance. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A23C0033
Collision with terrain on landing
Fairchild SA227-TT
Skycare Air Ambulance
Deer Lake, Ontario
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
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.