Incident at DEER LAKE NL (CYDF)

2010-04-21: UPDATE TSB: A10A0035: The Exploits Valley Air Service Cessana 172, registration C-FFUD, had departed Gander on a cross country training flight from Gander (CYQX) to Deer Lake (CYDF) via Buchans NL. The aircraft became overdue according to the flight plan file and the FIC initiated a communication search. A ramp check with CYDF also indicated the aircraft had not arrived at destination. A short time later the company advised that the aircraft had made precautionary landing at a gravel airstrip in Buchans. Flight plan was closed and all agencies advised. It was reported that the instructor and instructor student on board had over flown the strip and assessed its condition as suitable for landing. The intent was to complete a soft field landing then continue to CYDF. However, the runway surface was softer than anticipated and as the aircraft slowed the landing gear sank into surface and one propeller blade was bent rearward. There were no injuries and no airframe damage reported as a result of the landing. One wing was damaged when an attempt was made to move the aircraft with a piece of heavy equipment.

2010-04-06: C-FFUD, Cessna 172M, departed on a flight from Gander (CYQX) to Deer Lake (CYDF), via Buchans, NL. The flight became overdue at the destination. A ramp check with Deer Lake indicated that the flight had not arrived at the destination. A comm search was initiated and the owner was called. The owner called back at 16:10Z and advised that the aircraft had made a precautionary landing at Buchans and all on board were safe. The landing was required due to poor weather conditions.The flight plan was closed and all agencies were advised. TSB Case Closed.