Date: December 4, 2024
Location: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Aircraft: de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration C-GWEJ
Operator: WestJet Encore
Flight Number: WR-3367
Route: Calgary (YYC) to Nanaimo (YCD), Canada
Occupants: 82
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On December 4, 2024, WestJet Encore Flight WR-3367, a scheduled domestic flight from Calgary to Nanaimo, was unable to land at its destination due to adverse weather conditions. The crew conducted a missed approach and diverted to their alternate airport, Kelowna, British Columbia. However, due to high air traffic at Kelowna, the crew faced delays in obtaining clearance for approach.
As fuel reserves reached critical levels, the crew declared a Mayday and prioritized landing. The aircraft landed safely at Kelowna but with 200 lbs less fuel than the calculated minimum reserve required under Canadian aviation regulations.
Aircraft Details
• Type: de Havilland Dash 8-400
• Registration: C-GWEJ
• Operator: WestJet Encore
• Engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney PW150A turboprops
Sequence of Events
1. Initial Approach to Nanaimo:
• The aircraft attempted to land at Nanaimo Airport but performed a missed approach due to weather conditions.
2. Diversion to Kelowna:
• The crew initiated a diversion to Kelowna, their designated alternate airport.
• Upon arrival in Kelowna’s airspace, they encountered delays due to other air traffic.
3. Critical Fuel Levels:
• With delays persisting, fuel levels dropped to critical levels.
• The crew declared a Mayday to communicate the urgency of the situation.
4. Safe Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely at Kelowna with 200 lbs less fuel than the required minimum reserve.
• Passengers and crew disembarked without incident.
Initial Findings
1. Fuel Management and Minimum Reserve:
• The Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) reported the aircraft landed with 200 lbs less than the regulatory minimum fuel reserve.
• Minimum reserve fuel is a regulatory requirement to ensure safety in unforeseen circumstances, such as delays or diversions.
2. Weather and Operational Challenges:
• Adverse weather at Nanaimo necessitated the missed approach and subsequent diversion.
• High traffic at Kelowna delayed the aircraft’s approach and landing clearance, further contributing to fuel depletion.
Safety Risks Identified
1. Fuel Planning and Management:
• Fuel reserves are critical for managing unforeseen delays or diversions. Landing below the minimum reserve indicates the need for stricter adherence to planning and in-flight adjustments.
2. Operational Constraints at Alternate Airports:
• High traffic at alternate airports can exacerbate critical situations, as seen in this case.
3. Communication and Coordination:
• Efficient coordination between air traffic control and the flight crew is vital to prioritizing aircraft with critical fuel levels.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Diversion Planning:
• Review fuel planning and in-flight monitoring procedures to account for potential delays at alternate airports.
2. Traffic Management Protocols:
• Strengthen protocols at busy alternate airports to prioritize aircraft facing critical operational challenges, such as low fuel.
3. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training for flight crews on fuel management and decision-making during diversions to ensure safety margins are maintained.
4. TSB Investigation Follow-Up:
• Collaborate with the TSB to identify additional factors contributing to the situation and implement recommendations.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the critical importance of robust fuel management and effective communication during unforeseen operational challenges. The crew’s decision to declare Mayday ensured a safe outcome, but the event underscores the need for enhanced planning and procedures to mitigate such risks in the future.
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