Air transportation safety investigation A23Q0143

Table of contents

    Near collision with terrain on instrument final approach
    Air Creebec Inc.
    De Havilland Canada DHC-8-106, C-FLSX
    Val-d’Or Airport (CYVO), Quebec 

    The occurrence

    On 26 October 2023, an Air Creebec Inc. De Havilland DHC-8-106 aircraft was on a flight from Chisasibi Airport (CSU2), Quebec, to Val-d’Or Airport (CYVO), Quebec, with 28 passengers and 3 crew members on board.

    While the aircraft was conducting the RNAV (GNSS) approach on Runway 18 at CYVO, terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) alerts occurred. The crew conducted a go-around, made a second approach, and landed without incident.

    There were no injuries or damage. The TSB is investigating.


    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    A23Q0143

    Near collision with terrain on instrument final approach
    Air Creebec Inc.
    De Havilland Canada DHC-8-106, C-FLSX
    Val-d’Or Airport (CYVO), Quebec 

    Investigator-in-charge

    Image
    Photo of Pierre Gavillet

    Pierre Gavillet joined the Air Investigations Directorate at the TSB regional office in Dorval, Quebec, as an investigator/operations specialist in October 2007. He has more than 30 years' experience in aerial operations as well as air taxi and commuter operations, and as a pilot with Canadian and foreign airlines. He has flown more than 50 models of aircraft, ranging from small training planes to large jet transport aircraft such as DC8s, B757s, A300s, A310s and A330s, in most regions of the world.

    Since joining the TSB, Mr. Gavillet has been involved in many investigations in Quebec and 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

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.