Air Canada Flight 189 was a domestic scheduled flight operating between Calgary and Toronto. On June 26, 1978, the aircraft, a Boeing 737-200, was approaching Toronto Pearson International Airport when it encountered significant challenges. As the plane descended, poor visibility and inclement weather posed issues for the crew. Upon landing, the aircraft failed to stop on the runway, ultimately overrun and skidded into the Etobicoke Creek ravine, leading to a catastrophic situation. Of the 107 individuals on board, the crash claimed the lives of two passengers while the rest survived with various injuries. The quick response from emergency services helped in the rescue of the remaining passengers. Investigations into the incident centered around factors such as the weather conditions, pilot error, and procedural deficiencies in the airport's landing protocols.

The aftermath of this accident led to significant scrutiny concerning flight safety regulations and procedures across Canadian air travel. Investigations by authorities revealed critical needs for improvements in communication and equipment for pilots during adverse weather conditions. Although the aircraft's safety record in general was strong, this accident drew attention to the unique challenges faced during landings in poor visibility, leading to discussions about airport infrastructure and operational safety. Over time, this incident served as a catalyst for changes that improved general aviation safety standards in Canada.

Moreover, the crash had a profound impact on the flying public’s confidence in airline safety and sparked ongoing debates about the balance between speed of service and safety in commercial aviation. The details of the accident formed part of broader discussions in the aviation community regarding training, operational protocols, and technological advancements that could minimize the chances of such occurrences in the future.