The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 14 March 2023.
Collision with terrain
Privately registered
Cavalier SA102.5 (amateur-built aircraft), C-FBWF
Lacombe Aerodrome, Alberta, 14 NM E
The occurrence
On , the privately registered, amateur-built Cavalier SA102.5 aircraft (registration C-FBWF, serial number 6958) was conducting a local recreational flight from Lacombe Aerodrome, Alberta, with 1 pilot and 1 passenger on board. When the aircraft was 14 nautical miles east of the aerodrome, it entered an aerodynamic stall, resulting in a left-hand spin and collision with terrain. The pilot, who was seated in the left seat, was fatally injured; the passenger received serious injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged; there was no post-impact fire. The 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter activated. A satellite tracking device also helped locate the aircraft.
Media materials
News release
TSB recommends that Transport Canada establish a framework for routine review and improvement to the Civil Aviation Medical Examiners’ guidelines
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators following an accident involving a small aircraft near Lacombe, Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, 10 October 2021 — The Transportation Safety Board is deploying a team of investigators to the site of a fatal accident that occurred yesterday involving a small aircraft near Lacombe, Alberta. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A21W0089
Collision with terrain
Privately registered
Cavalier SA102.5 (amateur-built aircraft), C-FBWF
Lacombe Aerodrome, Alberta, 14 NM E
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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.