The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 2 February 2023.
Loss of control and collision with terrain
MAG Aerospace Canada Corp.
Rockwell International Aero Commander 690B, C-GYLD
Thunder Bay Airport, Ontario
The occurrence
On , the Rockwell International Aero Commander 690B aircraft (registration C-GYLD, serial number 11426), operated by MAG Aerospace Canada Corp. as flight BD160, was conducting a visual flight rules flight from Thunder Bay Airport, Ontario, to Dryden Regional Airport, Ontario, with only the pilot on board. At 2109 Eastern Daylight Time, the aircraft began a takeoff on Runway 12. Shortly after rotation, the aircraft entered a left bank, continued to roll, and then struck the surface of Runway 07 in an inverted attitude. The pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and post-impact fire. The emergency locator transmitter activated on impact.
Media materials
News release
Altered perception of risk contributed to fatal 2021 aircraft loss of control and collision with terrain at Thunder Bay Airport, Ontario
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys team of investigators to Thunder Bay, Ontario, following an air occurrence
Winnipeg, Manitoba, 17 August 2021 - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has deployed a team of investigators to Thunder Bay Airport, Ontario, following yesterday evening’s occurrence involving a twin-engine aircraft. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A21C0078
Loss of control and collision with terrain
MAG Aerospace Canada Corp.
Rockwell International Aero Commander 690B, C-GYLD
Thunder Bay Airport, Ontario
Investigator-in-charge
Eckhard Dittbrenner has more than 35 years of civil aviation experience and joined the TSB in 1999. Prior to joining the TSB, he worked as an aircraft technician for a commuter airline and worked for Transport Canada Aviation Enforcement for eight years. Since joining the TSB, Mr. Dittbrenner participated in several TSB investigations, including the investigation into the 2005 Air France accident at Pearson Airport in Toronto.
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 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.