A seaplane crash in British Columbia that injured five people over a year ago was caused by contaminated fuel, according to the final report from Canada's transportation safety watchdog.
Details of the Incident
The accident involved a Wilderness Seaplanes aircraft and occurred shortly after takeoff on December 18, 2023. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) led the investigation into the cause of the crash.
On board were the pilot and four passengers. Fortunately, all five individuals sustained only minor injuries when the plane went down. The investigation, which took just over a year to complete, systematically ruled out other potential factors before pinpointing the fuel issue as the primary cause.
Investigation Findings and Root Cause
The TSB's analysis concluded that fuel contamination was the definitive reason for the engine failure that led to the crash. Investigators found that the contaminated fuel prevented the aircraft's engine from producing the necessary power to maintain flight after becoming airborne.
This critical finding highlights an ongoing risk in aviation, particularly for smaller operators and in remote areas. The report underscores the importance of rigorous fuel quality control procedures at every stage, from storage to delivery into the aircraft's tanks.
Safety Implications and Next Steps
While the incident resulted in minor injuries, the TSB emphasizes that the outcome could have been far more severe. The board often uses its findings to issue safety advisories or recommendations to Transport Canada and the aviation industry to prevent similar occurrences.
This crash serves as a stark reminder of the complex chain of safety checks required in aviation. The final report will be publicly available through the TSB, contributing to the broader body of knowledge aimed at enhancing aviation safety standards across Canada and preventing future accidents related to fuel quality.
