News release

Unstable approach led to 2021 aircraft accident in Westlock, Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta, 29 March 2023 — In its investigation report (A21W0090) released today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) highlights the importance of taking appropriate measures when encountering an unstable approach and ensuring that items in the cabin are secured.

On 10 October 2021, a privately registered Daher TBM700 N was conducting an instrument flight rules flight from Vernon Airport, British Columbia, to Westlock Aerodrome, Alberta, with a stop at Calgary/Springbank Airport, Alberta, to pick up passengers.

At the time of occurrence, one pilot and three passengers were on board. Following an unstable visual approach at the Westlock Aerodrome, the aircraft bounced, and the pilot initiated a go-around. During the application of engine power, the aircraft rolled to the left, struck the runway inverted, and came to rest on the runway’s south side.

The investigation identified issues with the execution of the approach, touchdown, and go-around as causes and contributing factors for this accident. It also identified that the passengers did not receive a safety briefing before departure or before landing, and multiple items in the cabin were not secured. While all passengers were wearing the lap belts, only one was wearing the available shoulder harness. As a result, one passenger sustained serious injuries due their unrestrained upper torso and the loose items that were thrown around in the cabin during the accident. The pilot was also only wearing the lap belt but not the available airbag-equipped shoulder harness; as a result, he sustained serious injuries.

See the investigation page for more information.