The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 18 January 2019.
Baggage compartment fire
WestJet
Boeing 737-700, C-GWJT
Calgary, Alberta
The occurrence
On , a Boeing 737-700 aircraft operated by WestJet, was conducting flight WJA113 from Calgary, Alberta, to Vancouver, British Columbia, with 53 passengers and 5 crew members on board. While climbing through 9000 feet after departure, the flight crew received a cargo fire warning. An emergency was declared and a return to Calgary was requested. After landing, the cargo hold was inspected and evidence was found of a fire in passenger baggage.
Media materials
News release
Investigation report: Baggage compartment fire on WestJet flight 113, June 2018
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators to Calgary International Airport, Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, 14 June 2018 - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to Calgary International Airport, Alberta, following a cargo compartment fire aboard a Boeing 737 operated by Westjet. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A18W0081
Baggage compartment fire
WestJet
Boeing 737-700, C-GWJT
Calgary, Alberta
Investigator-in-charge
Mike Adam joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in early 2014, bringing with him extensive experience in aviation line maintenance and quality assurance for transport category air carriers. Mr. Adam also has experience with various single and twin engine aircraft, both piston and turbine powered, as well as amateur-built aircraft.
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.