OPP
An interruption while conducting checklist procedures and an incomplete checklist led to the 2020 crash at the Dryden Regional Airport.
On February 24, Bearskin Airlines Flight 344, carrying six passengers, including members of the Northern Ontario Women’s Curling team and two crew members, was taking off for Sioux Lookout when it left the runway and crashed into a frozen snowbank.
Coach Rick Lang injured his hand in the incident after propeller blade fragments penetrated the cabin wall during impact.
The Transportation Safety Board says the task of disengaging the propeller start locks started, however, it was interrupted and not completed.
The TSB notes the crew’s focus shifted to other tasks.