Air transportation safety investigation A24W0116

Table of contents

    Engine failure and forced approach
    Simpson Air
    Viking DHC-2 Beaver floatplane
    Fort Simpson Island Water Aerodrome (CEZ7), Northwest Territories, 7 NM W

    The occurrence

    On 29 August 2024, a Viking DHC-2 Beaver floatplane operated by Simpson Air was on a visual flight rules flight from Rabbitkettle Lake, Northwest Territories, to Fort Simpson Island Water Aerodrome, Northwest Territories, with 1 pilot and 2 passengers on board.

    Approximately 7 nautical miles from the intended landing area, the aircraft suffered a complete loss of power. The pilot conducted a forced approach onto Wrigley Highway, landing with minor damage to the left wing. There were no injuries. The TSB is investigating.

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    A24W0116

    Engine failure and forced approach
    Simpson Air
    Viking DHC-2 Beaver floatplane
    Fort Simpson Island Water Aerodrome (CEZ7), Northwest Territories, 7 NM W

    Investigator-in-charge

    Image
    Photo of Daryl Collins

    Daryl Collins joined the TSB in 2009 after a 20 year career with the Canadian Armed Forces, having flown as a search and rescue helicopter pilot on the CH146 Griffon, the CH113 Labrador, and the CH149 Cormorant helicopter. In his last position with the Canadian Forces, Mr. Collins was the Commanding Officer of 103 Search and Rescue Squadron based out of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador.

    During his time with the Canadian Forces, Mr. Collins was responsible for the development and implementation of Canadian Forces-wide human performance training for all aircrew, maintenance, and air traffic control personnel and was heavily involved in flight safety. In addition, he obtained a Masters of Aeronautical Science with a dual specialization in Human Factors and System Safety.

    Since joining the TSB, Mr. Collins has been actively involved in numerous accident investigations.

    Mr. Collins holds an Airline Transport Licence – Helicopter with over 3200 hours of flying experience.

    Photos

    The Viking DHC-2 Beaver floatplane after landing on Wrigley Highway, approximately 7 nautical miles west from Fort Simpson Island Water Aerodrome, Northwest Territories (Source: Simpson Air)

      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

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.