The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 29 November 2022.
Collision with obstacle on approach
Sandy Lake Seaplane Service Ltd.
Cessna U206G, C-GBGJ
Sandy Lake First Nation, Ontario
The occurrence
A float-equipped Cessna U206G airplane was conducting a flight from the Sandy Lake Water Aerodrome, Ontario, to a nearby lake and back. On the return flight, while on the final approach to land, the aircraft collided with a communication tower in the Sandy Lake First Nation community. The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain, caught fire, and was destroyed. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and the Sandy Lake First Nation Fire Department responded.
Media materials
News release
Investigation Report: Fatal collision with communication tower at the Sandy Lake Water Aerodrome, Ontario
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators following an aircraft accident in the Sandy Lake First Nation, Ontario
Winnipeg, Manitoba, 27 May 2022 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators following an accident involving a Cessna U206G aircraft that occurred yesterday in the Sandy Lake First Nation, Ontario. The TSB is gathering information and assessing the occurrence.
Investigation information
A22C0035
Collision with obstacle on approach
Sandy Lake Seaplane Service Ltd.
Cessna U206G, C-GBGJ
Sandy Lake First Nation, Ontario
Investigator-in-charge
Mr. Vermette is the Manager, Central Region Operations for the TSB Air Investigation Branch and is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He joined the TSB in 2014 and holds a current airline transport pilot’s license and has accumulated over 5000 hours of flight time on various jet and propeller aircraft.
Prior to joining the TSB, Mr. Vermette worked for over 13 years in civil aviation including experience as a training pilot and as a check pilot. He also has over 5 years of experience as Chief Pilot in CAR 703, 704 and 705 operations. Mr. Vermette has flown in all parts of Canada and the USA and has extensive medevac flying experience.
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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.