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News release

Runway excursion involving an Air Canada Airbus A320 at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Ontario

Richmond Hill, Ontario, 25 February 2017 – On February 25, 2017, Air Canada Flight 623 was travelling from Halifax to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson airport with 118 persons on board. Towards the end of the flight, the aircraft was flying an ILS approach to Runway 15R. Just after midnight, during the landing sequence, the aircraft travelled through the grass on the western side of the runway, eventually coming to a stop on the runway centerline. The passengers were deplaned on the runway and transported by bus to the terminal. There were no reported injuries, and apparent damage to the aircraft at this point is minor. The aircraft will be thoroughly examined to further determine the extent of the damage. Five runway edge lights were also damaged.

What we know

TSB investigators were deployed in the early morning to Pearson Airport to examine the aircraft and gather information. To date, we have:

Next steps

The investigation is ongoing and the next steps include the following:

Communication of safety deficiencies

Should the investigation team uncover safety deficiencies that present an immediate risk, they will be communicated without delay so they may be addressed quickly and the aviation system made safer.

The information posted is factual in nature and does not contain any analysis. Analysis of the occurrence and the findings of the Board will be part of the final report. The investigation is ongoing.


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.

For more information, contact:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Media Relations
Telephone: 819-360-4376
Email: media@tsb.gc.ca