News release

Investigation report: Aft fuselage strike and hard landing at Calgary International Airport, Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta,  — 

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released its investigation report (A24W0038) into the aft fuselage strike and hard landing involving a WestJet Encore Bombardier Inc. DHC-8-402 aircraft on April 13, 2024. Upon landing at the Calgary International Airport, in Alberta, the tail of the aircraft contacted the runway, causing substantial damage to the lower aft fuselage structure.

In addition to this occurrence, there have been 13 other aft fuselage strikes reported to the TSB on the DHC-8 aircraft since 2002. In all these occurrences, the pitch had exceeded the limits stated in the aircraft operating manual.

The TSB conducted a limited-scope, class 4 investigation into this occurrence to advance transportation safety through greater awareness of potential safety issues. See the Policy on Occurrence Classification for more information.


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.

For more information, contact:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Media Relations
Telephone: 819-360-4376
Email: media@tsb.gc.ca