A fatal plane crash near Lloydminster in September 2024 resulted from an engine stall during a low-altitude turn while inspecting power lines, killing both crew members.
Engine Stall Precedes Fatal Plane Crash Near Lloydminster
Federal investigators report that an engine stall occurred in a plane flying 200 to 300 feet above ground near Lloydminster, Alberta, before its fatal crash in September 2024.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its report on the incident from September 8, 2024, on Wednesday. The report stated that the aircraft operators, trained to fly at low altitude, were not negatively impacted by medical or physiological factors.
The aircraft, a Cessna U206F operated by KBM Forestry Consultants Inc., departed from Kindersley Regional Aerodrome in Saskatchewan at 2:47 p.m. for an aerial power line inspection near Lloydminster.
This flight was part of a multi-day operation to photograph power lines, according to the TSB. The crew shared the roles of pilot and observer, switching duties between flying and operating cameras.
During the flight, the pilot turned for the observer to take photos of a power line intersection. After taking the photos, the pilot initiated a right turn at an altitude of 200 to 300 feet when the engine stalled. The plane then descended rapidly and impacted the terrain.
The entire incident unfolded in three seconds, the TSB noted.
“The pilot received fatal injuries. The observer received serious injuries and died three days later,” the report stated.
“The aircraft was destroyed. There was no indication of fire either before or after the occurrence.”
The report also mentioned that weather was not a factor. There were no recorded defects with the plane, and no component or system malfunction contributed to the incident.
The TSB added that data from an onboard video camera suggested the force applied to the plane’s elevator during the last turn was greater than in previous turns.
“The increased load factor would have increased the stall speed. The investigation determined that the aircraft experienced a stall during the turn. The stall occurred at a height where regaining control of the aircraft before colliding with the terrain would have been difficult,” it stated.
“When required to conduct steep turns at low height, pilots need to be cautious because there may be insufficient height to recover from an inadvertent stall.”
Incident Summary
| Date | Location | Aircraft | Operator | Flight Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 8, 2024 | Lloydminster, Alberta | Cessna U206F | KBM Forestry Consultants Inc. | Aerial power line inspection | Pilot fatal, observer serious injuries |
