Occurrence
On 2 August 2022, an Air Tractor, Inc. AT-802A aircraft, registration C-FFQS and serial number 802A-0629, equipped with amphibious floats, was operated by Conair Group Inc. as Fireguard 673. The aircraft was conducting aerial firefighting operations from Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport (CYXC), British Columbia, with one crew member on board. Fireguard 673 was the fourth aircraft working in a group of four, with one additional aircraft acting as a bird dog. After completing the eighth water drop on the Connell Ridge wildfire, the pilot applied power for the climb-out. The engine power then rolled back to idle. When the pilot selected the emergency power lever, no additional power was produced. The pilot subsequently selected a reforested area and executed a forced landing.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained minor injuries and was transported by helicopter to receive medical aid. There was no post-impact fire. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.