News release

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is wrapping up the on-site operations of its investigation (A16P0186) into the 13 October 2016 accident north of Kelowna, British Columbia, involving a Cessna Citation aircraft.

The examination and documentation of the wreckage scene is complete and investigators have collected the data they needed from the accident site. The wreckage will be removed by helicopter and transported to a facility for further analysis.

Next steps

With the conclusion of the Field Phase begins the Examination and Analysis Phase. TSB investigators from across Canada are involved in helping with this ongoing investigation. While there are no definitive findings to report at this time, there are some important next steps.

In the coming days and weeks, the team will:

• Review drone images—filmed with the assistance of the RCMP
• Examine components such as instrumentation and any device that contains non-volatile memory
• Send selected wreckage to the TSB Laboratory in Ottawa for further analysis
• Gather additional information about weather conditions
• Gather information on air traffic control communications and radar information
• Examine aircraft maintenance records
• Examine pilot training, qualifications, proficiency records and medical history
• Continue interviews with witnesses, the aircraft operator and others
• Review operational policies and procedures
• Examine the regulatory requirements
• Create simulations and reconstruct events to learn more about the accident sequence (i.e., to validate data, test hypotheses, and verify assumptions)

“We will be thorough in our analysis of the data we have collected, and will continue to gather information as the investigation progresses”, said Beverley Harvey, TSB's Investigator-in-Charge.

Working with others

The TSB conducts independent investigations. However, we would like to recognize the contribution of other organizations:

• The RCMP protected the site and provided essential family liaison services.
• The BC Coroners Service secured the site and provided TSB investigators access so that investigation work could start right away.
• The BC Coroners Service and the RCMP Forensic Search and Evidence Recovery Team conducted extremely meticulous recovery work.
• A Transport Canada Minister's Observer was assigned and present at the accident site.
• The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States, as State of Design and Manufacture of the aircraft, appointed an Accredited Representative to the TSB investigation.
• Representatives from the aircraft manufacturer assisted on site as technical advisors to the US Accredited Representative.
• Technical experts from the engine manufacturer also assisted on site.

If at any stage during the investigation the TSB identifies safety deficiencies that require immediate attention, it will communicate directly with Transport Canada and the industry, and will inform the public.

Visit the active investigation page for more information about this investigation.