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Not too often does this happen! As IFR pilots, we are always taught to overshoot if we don't see the runway, or overshoot if we don't have a stable approach. As VFR Pilots, we are constantly looking outside the cockpit window to scan for obstacles. However, this was a little different. We were set up to fly the RNAV IFR approach runway 35 at Red Deer Airport. There was light icing conditions, light turbulence, and scattered + overcast cloud layers on the descent. A fair load for a single pilot flying a turboprop airplane IFR. However, as we approached to land, one more curveball was thrown our way... there appeared to be something in the middle of the runway!
Both myself and the passengers could see it and we all thought it looked like a moose or a large elk. Surprisingly, the control tower (ATC) wasn't able to see anything! Just to be safe, we decided to overshoot/ go-around and fly over the runway to investigate. What we found wasn't what we suspected, but we learned a very valuable aviation lesson! Before you land, always scan the runway for obstructions. Animals, vehicles, humans, other airplanes and FOD can pose a major risk to any aircraft big or small. From a small Cessna 172 to a Boeing 747, a small obstruction can spell disaster!
So come along on this full instrument approach through the clouds in the Cessna Conquest Turboprop as we descend for a low level flyby, then a low level circuit, and then a landing on Runway 35 to find out what REALLY happened! I learn new things on every flight so hopefully this video will be a great little bit of pilot training. Private Pilots, Commercial Pilots, Airline Pilots and anyone that flies in an airplane probably has at least one story that relates to aviation safety, and this is an example of one of many lessons I've learned. Enjoy and subscribe for our latest educational and adventure flying content!