The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 09 March 2017.
Impact with terrain on approach
Jazz Aviation LP (dba Air Canada Express)
de Havilland DHC-8-102, C-GTAI
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
The occurrence
The Jazz Aviation LP de Havilland DHC-8-102 (registration C-GTAI, serial number 078) was operating as flight JZA7795 on a scheduled flight from Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario, to Sault Ste. Marie Airport, Ontario. At 1825 Eastern Standard Time, while on approach to Runway 30 in conditions of twilight and reduced visibility due to blowing snow, the aircraft touched down approximately 450 feet prior to the runway threshold. Following touchdown, the aircraft struck one of the runway approach lights before coming to a stop approximately 1500 feet past the threshold, on the runway surface. There were no injuries to the passengers or to the crew; however, there was significant damage to the aircraft.
Media Materials
News release
Unstable approach and loss of visual reference led to February 2015 impact with terrain at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, Ontario
Read the news release
Investigation information
A15O0015
Impact with terrain on approach
Jazz Aviation LP (dba Air Canada Express)
de Havilland DHC-8-102, C-GTAI
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Investigator-in-charge
Ewan Tasker has over 20 years of civil aviation experience. He joined the TSB in 2008, and is now a regional senior investigator based out of Richmond Hill, Ontario. Since joining the TSB, he has been the investigator-in-charge of more than 250 occurrences, including 11 major investigations.
Before joining the TSB, Mr. Tasker flew commercially throughout North and South America, accrued over 7000 hours of flight time, and obtained airline transport pilot licences from 3 different regulatory bodies. During his “from-the-ground-up” career, he has worked every position, from baggage handler to chief pilot. Mr. Tasker is also a Transport Canada–licensed air traffic controller.
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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.