A Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 operated as Continental Connection Flight 3407 was en route from Newark to Buffalo when it went down at around 10:20 p.m. ET, about seven miles from Buffalo Niagara Airport, killing all on board. If you landed on this blog because your favorite search engine directed you here, it is because I posted about the Dash 8 Q400 by the end of 2007 and begin of 2008 when this aircraft type was affected by landing-gear issues (click here to read more about that).

Back then, several Dash 8 Q400 had incidents were the landing gear collapsed on touchdown or shortly after. Even if it is way to early to talk about the causes of the Buffalo accident it seems quite obvious that it has nothing in common with a landing gear collapsing on landing. This sounds cautious but surprises are always possible and even saying that this accident has nothing to do with the landing gear is prematurate.

I don’t have any information about this accident apart from what has been published by medias like CNN and reuters. Continental has already published several information bulletins (click here to read them). Bombardier also published a press-release which is limited to the usual sympathies to the victims and confirmation taht they are supporting the investigation.

There is not much to say for the time being and if you read about “probable causes” or even “evidences” it can only be speculation. Investigating such an accident requires time and finding the exact causes are not always possible. If you want to read more about aviation accidents and investigation I suggest that you visit my “Aviation Accidents” page.