What Happened to Air Canada Flight AC774 Runway Excursion at Montreal-Trudeau Airport?

On the afternoon of Thursday, July 9, 2026, Air Canada Flight AC774, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 (registered as C-GEOJ) with 156 passengers and six crew members aboard, completed its flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). After what Air Canada described as a “normal landing,” the aircraft veered off the taxiway while exiting the main runway and traveled through the grass before coming to a stop. Passengers reported a “terrifying” experience, with one describing feeling the plane going “very fast” and then “tumbling on the grass” amidst smoke and dirt. Despite the dramatic nature of the event, no injuries were reported among those on board.

The incident immediately triggered the activation of the airport's emergency coordination centre. Montreal-Trudeau Airport's north runway was temporarily closed to facilitate the safe evacuation of passengers and allow authorities to assess the situation and tow the aircraft. This closure, coupled with adverse weather conditions, resulted in significant operational delays for both domestic and international flights, including a temporary ground stop and subsequent flow restrictions implemented by Nav Canada. While the runway reopened before 10 p.m. that evening, travelers were advised to check flight schedules. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 delivered to Air Canada in April 2022, is undergoing a full inspection in a hangar.

The exact cause of the runway excursion is currently under investigation. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) confirmed it has opened an investigation and deployed investigators to the scene to gather information and assess the accident. Air Canada has also launched its own detailed investigation and is cooperating with relevant authorities. Aviation experts suggest investigators will examine cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, the mechanical state of the aircraft, and the actions taken by the pilots. Initial observations indicated no signs of skidding or mechanical issues prior to the aircraft veering off. Weather conditions, described as "pouring rain" at the time by a passenger, are also being considered as a contributing factor to the operational complexity.

The immediate response involved the activation of emergency protocols, passenger evacuation, and the temporary closure of a key runway. The launch of investigations by both Air Canada and the TSB marks a critical phase in determining the root cause. A preliminary report from the TSB is anticipated within 30 days, with a full report expected to take longer.

As of July 10, 2026, the day after the incident, the Air Canada Boeing 737 MAX 8 involved (C-GEOJ) is in a hangar undergoing a full inspection. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is actively investigating the runway excursion, with a preliminary report expected within the next month. Air Canada is also conducting its own detailed investigation. While the airport runway reopened hours after the incident, some operational delays may still be experienced as the airport recovers. The incident has drawn attention to aviation safety protocols and pilot procedures during adverse weather conditions.