Stall, spin, and collision with terrain
Privately registered
Sportinė Aviacija ir Ko LAK-17B FES (glider), C-FMXC
Black Diamond/Cu Nim Aerodrome, Alberta, 1.8 NM SE
The occurrence
On 29 May 2024 , a privately registered Sportine Aviacija LAK-17B FES aircraft was participating in a glider competition at the Black Diamond / Cu Nim Aerodrome, Alberta.
Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot jettisoned the canopy and exited the aircraft; his parachute did not open, and he subsequently died from his injuries.
The glider collided with terrain southeast of the aerodrome and was substantially damaged by impact forces. The TSB is investigating.
Investigation information
A24W0059
Stall, spin, and collision with terrain
Privately registered
Sportinė Aviacija ir Ko LAK-17B FES (glider), C-FMXC
Black Diamond/Cu Nim Aerodrome, Alberta, 1.8 NM SE
Investigator-in-charge
Jonathan (Jon) Lee is the Western Regional Manager for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in Edmonton, Alberta. He has been an aircraft investigator since 1999, and has been managing the Edmonton office since 2004. He has been involved in approximately 50 investigations. Mr. Lee has also participated in foreign investigations that involve Canadian aerospace products. Working with the National Transportation Safety Board (United States), the Aviation Safety Council (Taiwan), Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (South Korea), and the Aviation Accident Investigation Board (Mongolia) has made Mr. Lee appreciate the importance of the TSB’s role in global aviation.
Before working in accident investigation, Mr. Lee gained industry experience as a pilot in operations ranging from regional airlines and transcontinental cargo to medevac and flight instruction. He has flown over 35 types of aircraft and has accumulated 6500 flight hours. He maintains a valid and current airline transport pilot license.
Photos
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 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.