The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released its investigation report into the 2021 non-fatal emergency landing of a Beechcraft King Air B200 in Sanikiluaq.

The incident occurred on Dec. 17 of that year when the aircraft, on a medical evacuation flight from Winnipeg to Sanikiluaq. The plane, operated by Keewatin Air LP, with two flight crew members and two medical staff on board, started to drift to the left during landing, and although the pilot attempted to keep it on a straight path, he was unsuccessful.

A "go-around" was attempted in order to take off again, but the aircraft left the runway, coming to rest on the south side. The four occupants exited the plane safely. However, the aircraft was substantially damaged during the event.

The subsequent investigation determined that, lacking precise data on the aircraftSA国际影视传媒檚 performance limitations, the flight crew made the decision to proceed with an approach in strong crosswind conditions. They were relying on previous successful landings in similar conditions, as well as a plan for a go-around if control issues became apparent.

As the aircraft came onto the runway, no problems were then observed. The approach remained stable, so the crew chose to land. However, a strong crosswind and limited tire traction caused the aircraft to drift to the left. Despite the pilot's attempt to execute a go-around, the aircraft exited the runway shortly thereafter.

Two additional findings in terms of risk were identified during the investigation. If air operators are working with little information on runway conditions and associated aircraft performance, there is a risk that flights will be authorized in conditions that go beyond the aircraftSA国际影视传媒檚 landing performance capabilities. Furthermore, if a go-around is attempted during an uncontrolled lateral drift while the aircraft is in a low-energy state, runway accidents can occur, the TSB determined. The chance of a loss of control or controlled flight into terrain may also be exacerbated if the aircraft takes off in this state, the agency added.