Tree strike on takeoff
Propair Inc.
Beech King Air A100
Wemindji Airport (CYNC), Quebec
The occurrence
On 04 September 2024, a Beech King Air A100 operated by Propair Inc. was conducting an instrument flight rules medical evacuation flight from Wemindji Airport, Quebec, to Chisasibi Airport, Quebec, with 2 crew members and 3 passengers on board.
During the initial climb after takeoff, the aircraft began a descent and struck trees approximately 700 m from the end of Runway 28. The crew reestablished the climb before landing on Runway 10. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings, the propeller, the nacelle, the right engine and the right horizontal stabilizer. None of the occupants were injured following the landing. The TSB is investigating.
Media materials
Investigation information
A24Q0111
Tree strike on takeoff
Propair Inc.
Beech King Air A100
Wemindji Airport (CYNC), Quebec
Investigator-in-charge
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.
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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.