SkyCare Overrun at Atikokan

[pelmet]

From TSB....

C-GCPX, a Swearingen SA226-AT operated by 2080061 Ontario Inc. (dba SkyCare Air
Ambulance), was conducting flight PHX-011 from Sioux Lookout Airport (CYXL), ON, to Atikokan
Muni Aerodrome (CYIB), ON. The aircraft flew the approach to Runway 04 and touchdown
occurred on the wet runway at approximately 1300 feet beyond the threshold; therefore, there was
approximately 2195 feet remaining. The flight crew applied reverse, and at 70 knots, the propeller
speed levers were selected to the low position. The captain applied the brakes to slow the aircraft;
however, the aircraft overran the end of the runway by approximately 15 feet. The flight crew
assessed the situation and attempted to turn the aircraft around on the grassy area beyond the end
of the runway; however, the aircraft became stuck. The flight crew shutdown and the 5 occupants
disembarked from the aircraft. There was no damage to the aircraft. There were no injuries.
A post-occurrence review of the weather indicated that the automated weather observations at
CYIB recorded surface winds at 21:00z were 330 @ 17 knots. The operator's maintenance was
dispatched to CYIB to free the aircraft. They inspected the aircraft and returned it to service.

[Heavy Rayn]

One of the worst airports/runways in Ontario. I’d take a gravel strip in the north over yib all day. It’s surrounded by tall trees and has a very annoying down slope when landing on 22. Worst runway lights in the country, and closest weather info that is accessible in flight is from 50 nautical miles away. I’m not a fan.

[Jean-Pierre]

The dreaded Atikokan for context. Feared by MNR and medevac pilots alike.

[Stratopaused]

...has a very annoying down slope when landing on 22.

The aircraft flew the approach to Runway 04

They used the runway with the upslope and still overran it, so I don't think that's a factor in this case.

[Heavy Rayn]

I wasn’t really commenting on the skycare over run, more so just YIB in general. Although over run with that up slope as well is interesting. 04 is a more comfortable runway to land on than 22.

Feared is very dramatic Jean Pierre. The airport/runway does suck though, that’s a fact. I’d prefer a Pik trip at night over YIB. Those MNR airports up north are generally always well maintained, well the runways at least. Terminal buildings could use some help haha. Can’t say the same for the municipal airports though.

[lownslow]

Those MNR airports up north are generally always well maintained, well the runways at least... Can’t say the same for the municipal airports though.

One is seen as a drain on local tax dollars, the other one is the only reasonable lifeline for food and medical care.

Anyone new to flying up that way would do well to remember that fact in winter when trying to guess if the runway is really being plowed when the NOTAM says it is.

[DanWEC]

Anyone new to flying up that way would do well to remember that fact in winter when trying to guess if the runway is really being plowed when the NOTAM says it is.

Yes.
And don't think you can just do a little feel-a-roo of the level of the snow when you invariably arrive on final to a glistening runway and radio silence all morning at the MNR hut.
Don't.
Do.
It.

[Stable_Approach]

Those MNR airports up north are generally always well maintained, well the runways at least... Can’t say the same for the municipal airports though.

One is seen as a drain on local tax dollars, the other one is the only reasonable lifeline for food and medical care.

Anyone new to flying up that way would do well to remember that fact in winter when trying to guess if the runway is really being plowed when the NOTAM says it is.

I remember one of the airports up north I was flying to had a NOTAM of snow plow operations in effect, when we called ahead to see how far along they were, they hadn't even started and this almost three hours after the initial NOTAM was released. There is absolutely no rush to get anything done up there.

[Heavy Rayn]

Agreed with all above. I intentionally did not mention snow removal in my previous comment. Hopefully it was not inferred by my statement that snow removal is done in a timely and effective manner up north as it absolutely is not. Especially if it snowed on a weekend or a holiday you can pretty much assume you’re not going to the MNR maintained strips anytime soon. Or the muni ones for that matter. Literally impossible to ascertain snow depth visually from the air. DanWEC said it quite well with the don’t. do. it. statement.

[yepivedonethat]

Landed there many times in rain, snow, uphill, downhill whatever... Never been an issue and never once questioned the safety of that place.

Funny how the crew claims they landed in exactly the first 3rd with 70 knots of airspeed. 2000 odd feet they could have coasted to a stop with the headwind component.

*NOT* Suspicious at all ....

[pelmet]

Landed there many times in rain, snow, uphill, downhill whatever... Never been an issue and never once questioned the safety of that place.

Funny how the crew claims they landed in exactly the first 3rd with 70 knots of airspeed. 2000 odd feet they could have coasted to a stop with the headwind component.

*NOT* Suspicious at all ....

They did not touch down(you said landed) at 70 knots.

[rookiepilot]

Landed there many times in rain, snow, uphill, downhill whatever... Never been an issue and never once questioned the safety of that place.

Funny how the crew claims they landed in exactly the first 3rd with 70 knots of airspeed. 2000 odd feet they could have coasted to a stop with the headwind component.

*NOT* Suspicious at all ....

Thats a pretty good claim, (which I don’t see on the OP’s post) considering the stall speed of this aircraft is 92 knots.

Must be one heck of a STOL modified machine.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swearingen_Merlin

[bobcaygeon]

Calling for speeds low at 70kts indicates they clearly didn't think they had an issue or just called for it out if habit. Going over by 15ft could have been avoided by that action alone. Complacency fits in here nicely.