The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 1 February 2021.
Loss of control during rejected takeoff
Privately registered, Cessna 140, C-GOFK
Stave Lake abandoned aerodrome
British Columbia
The occurrence
On , a privately operated Cessna 140 was conducting a visual flight rules flight from the abandoned airstrip at Stave Lake to Pitt Meadows (CYPK), both in British Columbia, with one pilot and one passenger-pilot on board. During the take-off roll, control of the aircraft was lost. The aircraft came to rest inverted and in the opposite direction of the attempted take-off roll. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The passenger-pilot sustained minor injuries. There was no post-impact fire.
Safety Communications
Air safety advisory letter
Media materials
News release
Investigation report: July 2020 loss of control during a rejected take-off at Stave Lake, British Colulmbia
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team following a small aircraft accident near Stave Lake, British Columbia
Richmond, British Columbia, 28 July 2020 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to the site of small aircraft accident that occurred on July 27, 2020, near Stave Lake, British Columbia. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A20P0071
Loss of control during rejected takeoff
Privately registered, Cessna 140, C-GOFK
Stave Lake abandoned aerodrome
British Columbia
Investigator-in-charge
Scott Ludlow joined the TSB’s Air Investigations Branch in 2019 after having spent 15 years in private sector aviation. He has flying and training experience in commercial operations under subparts 702, 703, 704 & 705 of the CARs, and as a flight instructor. The majority of his experience was acquired in Newfoundland-and-Labrador and the Maritime provinces. He has also worked in Montreal, Qc, and Comox, BC, flying King Airs, Citations, and Dash-8. Mr. Ludlows holds a Bachelor’s degree in science (physics) and is completing his Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science (human factors and safety management).
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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.