What happened
On 24 September 2025, a privately owned, amateur-built Bushmaster Super 22 departed from Lillooet Aerodrome in British Columbia. The aircraft was being operated for a recreational flight to Chilliwack Airport, with the pilot serving as the sole occupant.
Shortly after the departure, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 300 feet above the ground before initiating a turn back toward the departure aerodrome. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck trees and subsequently collided with the terrain, ending up in an inverted position. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the crash. While the aircraft suffered substantial damage, no fire occurred following the impact.
The investigation
Investigators have established that the pilot was using a 5-point safety belt at the time of the accident. Preliminary assessments of the aircraft's flight controls showed no evidence of interrupted continuity.
Technical examinations of the engine and propeller are ongoing, as the TSB has retained both components for analysis. Notably, damage to the propeller suggests the engine may have been producing low or no power during the collision. Additionally, the aircraft's electronic flight displays have been transported to the TSB Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa to facilitate data retrieval and further study.