What happened
On August 2, 2022, an Air Tractor AT-802A, registered as C-FFQS, was engaged in aerial firefighting operations near the Connell Ridge wildfire in British Columbia. The aircraft, operated by Conair Group Inc. under the callsign Fireguard 673, was part of a coordinated group of four aircraft, supported by a bird dog plane, performing missions out of Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport.
Following the completion of its eighth water drop, the pilot attempted to climb out by applying power. During this maneuver, the engine power unexpectedly rolled back to idle. Despite the pilot's attempt to utilize the emergency power lever, the engine failed to produce additional thrust. The pilot subsequently identified a suitable reforested area and executed a forced landing.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the engine during the climb-out phase. The single crew member on board survived the impact with minor injuries and was evacuated via helicopter for medical treatment. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, no fire occurred following the impact.
Findings
- The primary cause of the forced landing was a sudden loss of engine power following a rollback to idle.
- The engine failed to respond to the application of the emergency power lever.