Mid-air collision involving three training aircraft at Ottawa/Gatineau Airport

Casualties unknown • and, CA

Two Cessna 150 aircraft sustained damage following a mid-air collision during a night flight training exercise at Ottawa/Gatineau Airport.

What happened

On the evening of 20 June 2023, three pilots from the Richcopter Inc. flight training unit were performing night circuits and touch-and-go maneuvers under visual flight rules (VFR) at the Ottawa/Gatineau Airport, Quebec. The flight operations involved three separate Cessna 150 aircraft.

The sequence of departures began with the first aircraft, C-GUGC, taking off at 21:28. This was followed by the second aircraft, C-FUAE, at 21:30, and the third aircraft, C-GRAE, at 21:32.

During the training maneuvers, the third aircraft, C-GRAE, positioned itself directly above C-FUAE. At approximately 21:45, while flying at an altitude between 100 and 200 feet above ground level, C-GRAE struck C-FUAE. Both aircraft subsequently landed, where damage was identified on both airframes.

The investigation

The TSB conducted a Class 4 investigation into the collision. The investigation focused on the flight paths of the three aircraft during the night training exercise and the relative positions of the aircraft at the time of the impact.

Probable cause

The collision occurred when one training aircraft, flying at a low altitude, collided with another aircraft positioned directly beneath it during night circuit maneuvers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-06-20 Cessna 150M, C-FUAE accident near and, CA?

Two Cessna 150 aircraft sustained damage following a mid-air collision during a night flight training exercise at Ottawa/Gatineau Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-06-20 involved a Cessna 150M, C-FUAE, operated by Richcopter Inc. (dba Select Aviation College), at and, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision occurred when one training aircraft, flying at a low altitude, collided with another aircraft positioned directly beneath it during night circuit maneuvers.

Loading the flight search…