What happened
On 14 October 2023, a Piper PA-31-350 operated by SkyCare Air Ambulance departed from Pickle Lake Airport, Ontario, en route to Winnipeg/St. Andrews Airport, Manitoba. During the pre-flight process at Pickle Lake Airport, a local service provider performed the refueling of the aircraft.
Shortly after takeoff, the fueling company identified that the incorrect type of fuel had been loaded into the aircraft. The company promptly contacted the flight crew to notify them of the error. Following this notification, the crew observed abnormal engine indications while in flight. The pilot subsequently diverted the aircraft to Sioux Lookout Airport, Ontario, where the plane landed safely and without further incident.
The investigation
The TSB examined the circumstances surrounding the refueling error at Pickle Lake Airport and the subsequent engine performance of the aircraft during the flight.