Updated in January 2023 : This investigation is in the report phase.
Forced Landing
Conair Group Inc.
Air Tractor AT-802A
Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport, British Columbia, 20 NM S
The occurrence
On , a Conair Group Inc. Air Tractor AT-802A on amphibious floats was conducting forest fire fighting operations from the Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport, BC, with one crew member on board. After releasing the retardant payload on a wildfire at Connell Ridge, the pilot applied power for the climb-out but the engine power rolled back to idle; selection of the emergency power lever produced no more power. The pilot sustained minor injuries after making a forced landing on a logged area with newly planted trees. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The TSB is investigating.
Investigation information
A22P0067
Forced Landing
Conair Group Inc.
Air Tractor AT-802A
Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport, British Columbia, 20 NM S
Investigator-in-charge
Dan Clarke joined the TSB’s Air Investigations Branch as a Senior Technical Investigator in the Pacific Region in 2018. During his career, Mr. Clarke worked as an aircraft maintenance engineer – structures, for several fixed wing and rotary wing operations.
Mr. Clarke also has several years’ experience as a Quality Assurance Manager. Prior to joining the TSB, he worked for Transport Canada's Civil Aviation Branch for nine years, the first four years as an Airworthiness Inspector and the last five years as a Technical Team Lead.
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.