What happened
On May 16, 2023, a Cessna 172 operated by Airborne Energy Solutions was performing a pipeline inspection mission between Swift Current and Estevan, Saskatchewan. The mission involved several flight legs designed to collect electronic and visual data regarding pipeline infrastructure.
At roughly 10:15 Central Standard Time, while flying approximately 6 nautical miles southwest of Shaunavon, the aircraft struck a communications tower. The impact caused a 4-foot portion of the right wing to break away. Following the collision, the aircraft entered a sharp descent and hit the ground about 640 meters southeast of the tower. A fire broke out after the impact, destroying much of the wreckage. The two fatalities involved were the crew members on board.
The investigation
The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the crash. The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the impact with the tower and the subsequent ground collision.