The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 8 August 2018.
Temporary difficulty with aircraft control
Jazz Aviation LP (dba Air Canada Express)
DHC-8-102, C-GJMO
Mont-Joli Airport, Quebec
The occurrence
On 3 February 2016, a Jazz Aviation DHC8-100 aircraft was conducting a flight under Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) from Montréal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport, Quebec (CYUL) to Mont-Joli, Quebec (CYYY) with 24 passengers and three crew members on board. On descent and in icing conditions, a layer of ice developed, and the de-icing system seemed to work normally. On final approach, the aircraft encountered turbulence and a loss of elevator control occurred. After increasing the speed of the aircraft, the pilot-in-command succeeded in regaining control. The crew proceeded to land the aircraft without further incident. No injuries or damage were reported. Once on the ground, the crew noted that the de-icing system did not work on either the left wing or the left horizontal stabilizer.
Media materials
News release
Turbulence and wind shear led to February 2016 temporary difficulty with aircraft control at Mont-Joli Airport, Quebec
Read the news release
Investigation information
A16Q0020
Temporary difficulty with aircraft control
Jazz Aviation LP (dba Air Canada Express)
DHC-8-102, C-GJMO
Mont-Joli Airport, Quebec
Investigator-in-charge
Isabelle Langevin joined the Air Investigation Branch at the TSB regional office in Dorval, Quebec as an Investigator Operations (Air) in September 2015. During her career, Ms. Langevin worked as a flight instructor before working as a pilot mainly in Nunavik (Northern Quebec) flying DHC- 6, King Air and Dash 8. In 2006, she joined Nav Canada as an instrument procedures design specialist and as principal analyst. From 2008, she held various positions at Transport Canada including that of Technical Team Lead, Flight Operations. Ms. Langevin has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
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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.