Air Canada Express

Beechcraft 1900D

The Exploits Valley Air Services Beechcraft 1900D (registration C-FEVA, serial number UE-126), operating as Air Canada Express flight EV7804, was on a scheduled passenger flight from Goose Bay International Airport, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Gander International Airport, Newfoundland and Labrador. At 2130 Newfoundland Daylight Time, while landing on Runway 03, the aircraft touched down right of the centreline and almost immediately veered to the right. The nosewheel struck a compacted snow windrow on the runway, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. As the aircraft’s nose began to drop, the propeller blades struck the snow and runway surface. All of the left-side propeller blades and 3 of the right-side propeller blades separated at the blade root. A portion of a blade from the right-side propeller penetrated the cabin wall. The aircraft slid to a stop on the runway. All occupants on board — 14 passengers and 2 crew members — were evacuated. Three passengers sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. There was no post-impact fire. There were insufficient forward impact forces to automatically activate the 121.5 MHz emergency locator transmitter. The accident occurred during the hours of darkness.