The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 20 January 2016.
Runway excursion
Air Labrador Limited
de Havilland DHC-6-300, C-GKSN
La Tabatière, Quebec
The occurrence
On 28 September 2014, a de Havilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter aircraft (registration C-GKSN, serial number 493) operated by Air Labrador Limited, was on a charter flight from Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon, Quebec, to La Tabatière, Quebec, with 2 crew members and 17 passengers on board. The aircraft touched down about 750 feet beyond the threshold of Runway 23. During the rollout, the captain determined that the aircraft would not stop before reaching the end of the runway, and initiated a high-speed left turn onto the taxiway. The aircraft skidded to the right, and the right propeller struck a runway identification sign before the aircraft came to a stop. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. There were no injuries, and no fire occurred. The 406-megahertz emergency locator transmitter did not activate. The accident occurred at 1512 Atlantic Standard Time, in daylight.
Media materials
News release
TSB Watchlist issues highlighted in September 2014 runway excursion in La Tabatière, Quebec
Read the news release
Investigation information
A14Q0148
Runway excursion
Air Labrador Limited
de Havilland DHC-6-300, C-GKSN
La Tabatière, Quebec
Investigator-in-charge
Bruce Mullen joined the TSB in May of 2010 with over 27 years and 8000 hours of flight experience in various types of aircraft. Prior to joining the TSB, he was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for almost 25 years; 9 of which were spent in Alberta as an RCMP investigator/Peace Officer.
Mr. Mullen also spent several years with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as a research scientist and co – authored several Fisheries Research Publications.
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.