The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 5 January 2024.
Loss of control and collision with terrain
Diamond Aircraft Sales USA Inc.
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH DA 42 NG, N591ER
London Airport, Ontario
The occurrence
At approximately 1329 Eastern Daylight Time on 25 May 2022, the Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH DA 42 NG aircraft (United States registration N591ER, serial number 42.081) departed Runway 09 at London Airport, Ontario, on a local test flight following a major overhaul that had been completed at the Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. facilities at the airport.
During the takeoff, when the aircraft became airborne, the aircraft yawed abruptly to the left. The pilot attempted to correct for the unexpected yaw but had difficulty maintaining directional control of the aircraft. The pilot attempted to make an emergency landing on Runway 27; however, during the approach, the pilot continued to have difficulty controlling the aircraft and instead attempted to land on Taxiway A before ultimately landing on the grass between the runway and the taxiway.
When the aircraft touched down hard on the grass, the rudder and the left-wing aileron mass balance weight broke off. The landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft slid to a stop approximately 265 feet from the initial impact point. The pilot was not injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged.
During the initial examination of the aircraft following the incident, it was discovered that the rudder moved in the opposite direction of pilot input.
Media materials
News release
Undetected aircraft maintenance error led to loss of control and collision with terrain at London International Airport, Ontario
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deployed a team of investigators following an aircraft accident in London, Ontario
Richmond Hill, Ontario, 26 May 2022 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today deployed a team of investigators following an accident involving a Diamond DA-42 aircraft that occurred yesterday at the London International Airport, Ontario. The TSB is gathering information and assessing the occurrence.
Investigation information
A22O0060
Loss of control and collision with terrain
Diamond Aircraft Sales USA Inc.
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH DA 42 NG, N591ER
London Airport, Ontario
Investigator-in-charge
Mr. Rowntree has 26 years of civil aviation experience. He joined the TSB in November 1997 as an investigator/technical specialist in the TSB Air Investigations Ontario Regional Office, in Richmond Hill, Ontario
Prior to joining the TSB, he worked as an aircraft maintenance supervisor in the arctic for a major Canadian air carrier. During that time, he maintained and supervised the maintaining of different aircraft types, from small aircraft to the larger commuter and jet aircraft. Mr. Rowntree was also certified flight attendant and volunteer fire fighter.
Since joining the TSB, Mr. Rowntree has participated in numerous investigations and several major TSB investigations, most notably; the 1998 investigation into Swiss Air 111 in Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, the 2004 investigation into the MK Airlines accident in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the 2005 investigation into Air France accident in Toronto, Ontario, the 2009 Cougar Helicopter accident in St. John's, Newfoundland and the 2011 First Air accident in Resolute, Nunavut. On behalf of the TSB, he has also assisted numerous foreign investigation agencies in their investigations of accidents abroad.
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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.