TSB Releases Report On 2023 Campbell River Plane Crash

The Transportation Safety Board has released a report on a plane crash near Campbell River last fall.

It occurred on September 20th when the plane, with a pilot and co-pilot on board, were conducting a local flight.

The TSB had some issues with permits and maintenance or technical records but noted that the investigation was “for the purpose of advancing transportation safety, not to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.”

It also stated the report was not created for use in the context of legal, disciplinary or other proceedings.

During the flight, a power-off stall exercise was conducted at about 4000 feet and the aircraft, a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, was unable to maintain altitude.

A forced landing was carried out and the plane came to rest in a heavily wooded area, about 18 kms south-southeast of Campbell River.

The pilots received minor injuries but were able to get out on their own.

The two were taken to hospital by a search and rescue helicopter. The plane suffered substantial damage.

It’s suggested there was an issue with the propeller system that prevented the plane from maintaining altitude.

The Transportation Safety Board report reminded aircraft owners and operators that all maintenance must be properly recorded for aircraft documentation “to serve as a reliable method of determining airworthiness and aircraft status.”

It went on to say that it is critical that aircraft be operated in accordance with the permit, and that any modification to an aircraft be approved before flight.

For more information, visit Transportation Safety Board.