Incident Overview
An aircraft en route from Lethbridge, Alberta, to Vernon, British Columbia, experienced a cabin fire while cruising at an altitude of 12,000 feet. The pilot declared an emergency to air traffic control after the fire ignited in the rear of the passenger cabin, near the washroom.
Pilot Actions
Upon declaring the emergency, the pilot reduced the aircraft's altitude and made the decision to divert to Pincher Creek Airport. However, fire and smoke continued to spread throughout the cabin, creating hazardous conditions for the occupants.
Emergency Landing
Given the worsening situation, the crew opted to perform an emergency landing in an open field located approximately 8 kilometers east of Brocket. The aircraft touched down and subsequently came to a rest engulfed in flames.
Occupant Evacuation and Aircraft Damage
All 28 individuals on board evacuated the aircraft without injury. Despite the successful evacuation, the aircraft was destroyed by the fire.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the incident: an unknown fire erupted in the passenger cabin, near the washroom.