B.C. plane in fatal 2023 crash had unapproved modifications
Canada's aviation safety agency is warning ultralight aircraft owners to make sure modifications are manufacturer-approved after investigating a fatal crash last year in northeastern British Columbia.
The Transportation Safety Board says the crash happened on June 25, 2023, when a two-seat Savannah aircraft crashed into Simpson Lake southwest of Chetwynd, B.C.
The only person aboard, the pilot and owner of the ultralight, was killed in the crash.
Investigators say an examination of the wreckage found the ultralight had an engine upgrade kit and some modifications to its wings, neither of which were approved by the manufacturer.
The TSB report says the changes were made by a previous owner, and purchase documents that were supposed to serve as a declaration of the plane's airworthiness had "no names, dates, or signatures of the previous or new owner."
The report concludes in its safety message to pilots that "operating an aircraft that has been modified outside of the manufacturer’s specification may result in performance that does not match expectations."
Investigators also found that while there were possible wind gusts or up and downdraft circulations in the area at the time, there was no evidence of thunderstorm nearby.
"Radar images showed little precipitation activity," the report says. "Satellite data revealed that the risk of icing in cloud was low and that even though smoke was present in the area, it would not have been significant enough to reduce visibility."
Investigators say it was the first time the pilot had flown to Simpson Lake, and he had about 40 of his total 400 flight hours in the plane that crashed.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 3, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A turbulent campaign nears its finale as Americans choose between Harris and Trump
A presidential campaign marked by upheaval and rancour headed for its Election Day finale on Tuesday, as Americans decided whether to send Donald Trump back to the White House or elevate Kamala Harris to the Oval Office.
New homeowners find skeleton in attic 15 years after previous occupant disappeared
Homeowners in France have discovered a skeleton in the attic of an outbuilding while undertaking renovation work.
Israel's Netanyahu dismisses defence minister in surprise announcement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed his popular defence minister, Yoav Gallant, in a surprise announcement.
Trudeau and Harris? Poilievre and Trump? Here's who Canadians think would work best with: survey
As Americans prepare to elect their next president on Tuesday, new data from the Angus Reid Institute suggests Canadians hold differing views as to which federal party leaders would be best suited to deal with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
Prison sentences handed down for sexually abusive London, Ont. parents
In handing down the sentences for two London parents, Justice Thomas Heeney told the court, "The facts of this case were the most egregious that I have encountered during my 26 years on the bench."
'Extreme disregard for the safety of others': Lamborghini driver gets prison sentence for 2021 Toronto crash
A mortgage broker who totalled his Lamborghini and left a passenger with life-altering injuries after trying to pass a Toronto streetcar at nearly three times the speed limit has been handed a two-and-a-half year prison sentence.
'I’m not proud of it': Jason Kelce apologizes after video shows him spiking a cellphone after fan used a homophobic slur
Jason Kelce issued an apology during ESPN's 'Monday Night Countdown' after a viral video captured a 'heated moment' between the retired Super Bowl champion and a fan over the weekend.
Harris and Trump tie in Dixville Notch midnight vote to kick off Election Day
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.S. president Donald Trump have tied with three votes each in the tiny New Hampshire township of Dixville Notch, kicking off Election Day in one of the first places in the country to report its presidential preference.
Ukrainian troops have engaged with North Korean units for the 1st time in Russia, an official says
Ukrainian troops have for the first time engaged with North Korean units that were recently deployed to help Russia in the war with its neighbour, Ukraine's defence minister said Tuesday.