The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 21 February 2023.
Collision with cable
Privately registered
Bellanca 7GCBC (Citabria), C-GOQZ
Shawinigan, Quebec
The occurrence
On 17 July 2022, a privately-registered Bellanca Citabria floatplane was on a visual flight rules flight from Trois-Rivières Airport (CYRQ), Quebec, to a dock on the Saint-Maurice River, in Shawinigan. While flying over the landing site, the aircraft struck the wire of a power line crossing the river. Following the initial impact, the aircraft struck the river in an inverted position. The pilot was fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Media materials
News release
Investigation report: Fatal collision in Shawinigan, Quebec
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB is deploying a team of investigators following the fatal seaplane collision in Shawinigan, Quebec
Dorval, Quebec, 18 July 2022 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators following a fatal seaplane collision in Shawinigan, Quebec, that occurred yesterday. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A22Q0084
Collision with cable
Privately registered
Bellanca 7GCBC (Citabria), C-GOQZ
Shawinigan, Quebec
Investigator-in-charge
Mario Boulet has over 30 years of civil aviation experience. He joined the TSB in 2015 and is now a Regional Senior Investigator based out of Dorval, Quebec.
Before joining the TSB, Mr. Boulet worked during 8 years for Transport Canada as a civil aviation safety inspector after a career in the private sector for various approved maintenance organizations, aircraft manufacturers and airlines where he occupied positions from aircraft maintenance engineer to Person Responsible for Maintenance (PRM), including Minister Delegate for a major aircraft manufacturer.
Since 2006, Mr. Boulet also became an expert in the manufacturing and operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
Mr. Boulet holds an aircraft maintenance engineer license from Transport Canada and a private pilot license.
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.