Fatal power line collision involving Bellanca Citabria in Shawinigan

Casualties unknown • Shawinigan, Quebec, CA

A private floatplane crashed into a power line over the Saint-Maurice River on July 17, 2022, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What happened

On July 17, 2022, a privately-registered Bellanca Citabria floatplane was conducting a flight under visual flight rules from Trois-Rivières Airport (CYRQ) in Quebec. The intended destination was a dock located on the Saint-Maurice River in Shawinigan. As the aircraft approached the landing site, it made contact with a power line wire spanning the river. The impact caused the aircraft to strike the water in an inverted position. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed in the crash.

The investigation

The TSB conducted a class 4 investigation into the accident. The investigation focused on the flight path and the circumstances surrounding the contact with the utility wire during the approach to the river dock.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a power line crossing the Saint-Maurice River while the pilot was maneuvering toward a landing site.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-07-17 Bellanca 7GCBC (Citabria), C-GOQZ accident near Shawinigan, Quebec, CA?

A private floatplane crashed into a power line over the Saint-Maurice River on July 17, 2022, resulting in the death of the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-07-17 involved a Bellanca 7GCBC (Citabria), C-GOQZ, operated by Privately registered, at Shawinigan, Quebec, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a power line crossing the Saint-Maurice River while the pilot was maneuvering toward a landing site.

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