Casualties unknown

2017-10-26: Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, C-GCCM — Springbank Air Training College — Calgary/Springbank Airport, Alberta, 0.8 nm S, CA

Calgary/Springbank Airport, Alberta, 0.8 nm S, CA

On October 26, 2017, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II, C-GCCM operated by Springbank Air Training College was involved in an aviation accident near Calgary/Springbank Airport, Alberta, 0.8 nm S, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during a simulated engine failure. This summary draws on records from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).

Sourcesthe Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB)Primary reportUpdated 1785068748Data APIEditorial standards

On 26 October 2017, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II operated by Springbank Air Training College lost control during a simulated engine failure, colliding with terrain. Both occupants were fatally injured.

Occurrence

At 0949 Mountain Daylight Time on 26 October 2017, a Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II (serial number 34-7570103, registration C-GCCM) operated by Springbank Air Training College departed from Runway 17 at Calgary/Springbank Airport (CYBW), Alberta. On board were a student pilot and a flight instructor, conducting a multi-engine training flight to the practice area. Approximately 70 seconds after takeoff and 0.8 nautical miles south of Runway 17, the aircraft rolled to the left, entered a steep, descending left turn, and collided with terrain. A post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft. Both occupants were fatally injured. The 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter did not activate. Motorists on the nearby Trans-Canada Highway who witnessed the accident arrived on scene in less than one minute.

Investigation

The occurrence was classified as a class 3 investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Such investigations analyze a small number of safety issues and may result in recommendations. The investigation concluded that the accident resulted from a loss of control during a simulated engine failure.

Probable cause

Loss of control during a simulated engine failure