Overview

On 2 August 2005, Air France Flight 358, operating an international service into Toronto, overran the runway during landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The aircraft was an Airbus A340. The airliner departed the prepared surface, came to rest beyond the runway end and was subsequently evacuated. Everyone on board survived; twelve people were reported injured. The event received substantial attention because of its scale and the successful evacuation under difficult conditions.

Aircraft, conditions and approach

The aircraft type involved, a long‑range four‑engine jet, was carrying passengers and crew on a scheduled international flight. Weather at the time included heavy rain and reduced braking action on the runway, conditions that increase the risk of hydroplaning and long landings. Reports described a high workload environment for the flight crew during the final approach and landing roll.

Sequence and immediate response

During the landing rollout the aircraft failed to decelerate sufficiently to stop before the runway end and exited the paved area. Emergency slides were used and local emergency services responded quickly. Passengers and crew evacuated; airport firefighting units and ambulances were on scene. The prompt evacuation and rescue effort helped prevent fatalities despite the aircraft being seriously damaged.

Investigation findings

  • Investigators examined pilot decisions, use and timing of thrust reversers and brakes, and crew resource management during the landing sequence.
  • Weather and runway conditions — heavy rain, standing water, and reduced friction — were identified as significant contributing factors to the overrun.
  • Organizational and procedural factors, including runway inspection, landing performance calculations, and company guidance for operations in contaminated runways, were reviewed.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada led the formal inquiry with technical participation from French authorities and the aircraft manufacturer. The final reports typically combine human factors, environmental factors and technical analysis to assign probable causes and safety recommendations.

Aftermath and significance

Although there were no fatalities, the accident prompted reviews of landing procedures in adverse weather, runway drainage and maintenance practices, and the training and guidance pilots receive for contaminated runways. Airports and airlines often use such events to update emergency planning, improve runway condition reporting, and refine procedures for reverse thrust and braking on wet surfaces. The incident is frequently cited in aviation safety discussions as an example of successful evacuation and of the layered nature of operational risk when weather, runway state and human decisions combine.

Further technical detail and official findings are available in investigative reports and aviation safety analyses published after the event. For more context, see official safety summaries and technical reports produced by the investigating authorities.

Air France information | Aircraft type details | Airport reports and notices