Air transportation safety investigation A24W0008

The occurrence

At 0642 Mountain Standard Time (MST) on 23 January 2024, the BAE Systems Jetstream 3212 aircraft (registration C-FNAA) operated by Northwestern Air Lease Ltd. was destroyed when it collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from Runway 30 on a scheduled flight from Fort Smith Airport (CYSM), Northwest Territories, to the Diavik Diamond Mine Aerodrome (CDK2), Northwest Territories. Six people were fatally injured, 1 person received minor injuries.

Work completed at 23 February 2024

Multiple interviews have been conducted in support of the investigation. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) has been recovered, and the data for the flight, which was good quality, has been downloaded. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the fuelling, passenger loading, and departure has been collected for further analysis. The aircraft wreckage has been transported to the TSB’s regional office in Edmonton, Alberta, for further examination. The engines have been removed from the wreckage and will be shipped to the manufacturer for detailed examination.

What we know

At 0600 MST, the limited weather information system (LWIS) reported winds from 300° true (T) at 2 knots, a temperature of −19 °C, and a dew point of −22 °C. At 0700 MST, the LWIS reported winds from 290°T at 3 knots, a temperature of −19 °C, and a dew point of −22 °C. At 0701 MST, a special weather observation was made, which reported winds from 290°T at 3 knots, visibility of 2 statute miles in light snow, an overcast ceiling at 7300 feet above ground level (AGL), a temperature of −19 °C, and a dew point of −22 °C. CCTV footage showed that it was actively snowing during the fuelling, passenger loading, and taxi processes.

The aircraft was cold soaked in the hangar before being pulled out and fuelled for the intended flight. The fuel used for the flight had been stored in an above-ground storage system and both ground personnel and a flight crew member inspected the wing surfaces to check for the adherence of snow. After the passengers had boarded and the baggage was loaded into the aircraft, the flight crew started the aircraft and proceeded to taxi for departure from Runway 30. Both flight crew members held the appropriate licences and ratings for the flight in accordance with existing regulations. The aircraft had a maximum approved take-off weight of 16 204 pounds. Its weight at departure was approximately 15 050 pounds.

Automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast (ADS-B) data was obtained and indicated that the aircraft attained a maximum height of 140 feet AGL, and a maximum groundspeed of 160 knots. After reaching 140 feet AGL, the aircraft entered a descent and impacted the tops of trees at the end of the runway clearing approximately 3075 feet from the end of Runway 30. The aircraft continued to descend as the terrain elevation also decreased, before impacting terrain 4150 feet from the end of Runway 30 and 620 feet left of the extended runway centreline.

There was an extensive post-impact fire, which consumed the majority of the centre section of the aircraft. During the accident sequence, 1 passenger was ejected from the aircraft and received minor injuries. This person was rescued at approximately 1030 MST.

The aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter activated and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre received a signal. All major components of the aircraft were accounted for at the accident site.

Next steps

The TSB will continue to liaise with the aircraft and engine manufacturers, the operator, and Transport Canada. Should critical safety issues be identified during the investigation, the TSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.

This accident investigation is ongoing and currently in the initial analysis phase. A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Media materials

Deployment notice