Occurrence
On 24 September 2025, a privately registered, amateur-built Bushmaster Super 22 aircraft departed Lillooet Aerodrome, British Columbia, for a recreational flight to Chilliwack Airport, British Columbia, with only the pilot on board.
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft leveled at about 300 feet above ground level and turned back towards the aerodrome. En route, it collided with trees and then terrain, coming to rest upside down. The pilot was fatally injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; there was no post-impact fire. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is investigating.
Investigation Progress (as of October 2025)
The investigation has revealed the following to date:
- The pilot was wearing a 5-point safety belt.
- The aircraft fuel system reportedly had electrical and/or mechanical issues before departure.
- Damage observed on the propeller is consistent with the engine producing low or no power at the time of impact.
- Initial examinations found no anomalies with flight-control continuity.
- The engine and propeller have been retained by the TSB for further examination.
- The electronic flight displays have been sent to the TSB Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa, Ontario, for data retrieval and analysis.
The TSB continues to investigate the accident. This is a Class 4 investigation, which is limited in scope and does not include formal findings or recommendations.