Tanker 448 crash near Lytton

2 fatalities • Lytton, Canada • Flight

A firefighting aircraft crashed into terrain near the Fraser River canyon during a forest fire suppression mission, resulting in the loss of both crew members.

What happened

During an aerial firefighting operation near Siwash Road, approximately 15 km south of Lytton, Tanker 448 was engaged in suppressing a forest fire. The mission required the aircraft to fly across a ravine located on the side of the Fraser River canyon before descending toward the fire site. Approximately 22 minutes after the aircraft departed, the crew approached the edge of the ravine and made contact with trees. During this impact, an unplanned release of fire retardant occurred.

Following the collision with the trees, the Air Tractor entered a left-hand spin and struck the ground. The impact was followed by a significant explosion and fire that destroyed a large portion of the wreckage. An investigation into the wreckage revealed that the onboard emergency locator transmitter failed to send a signal and was not found at the site. The accident resulted in two fatalities.

Findings

  • The aircraft struck trees while maneuvering near a ravine.
  • An unplanned retardant drop happened simultaneously with the tree strikes.
  • The aircraft entered a spin immediately following the initial impact with the vegetation.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck trees while navigating a ravine, leading to a spin and subsequent terrain collision.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-07-31 Convair CV-580 accident near Lytton, Canada?

A firefighting aircraft crashed into terrain near the Fraser River canyon during a forest fire suppression mission, resulting in the loss of both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 2010-07-31 Convair CV-580 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-07-31 involved a Convair CV-580, registration C-FKFY, operated by Conair Aviation, at Lytton, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck trees while navigating a ravine, leading to a spin and subsequent terrain collision.

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