What happened
On September 21, 2024, at approximately 12:30 UTC, a Pilatus PC-12/45, registered C-GFKA, was conducting an instrument flight rules (IFR) operation in Ontario, Canada. The aircraft was climbing from Thunder Bay Airport (CYQT) toward Attawapiskat Airport (CYAT). While maintaining a flight level of 235, the crew heard a loud bang, which was immediately followed by the shattering of the left windshield and a subsequent loss of cabin pressure.
In response to the sudden depressurization, the crew donned oxygen masks and initiated an emergency descent. The aircraft was subsequently diverted back to Thunder Bay, where it landed without further incident. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board, though the aircraft sustained light damage.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) issued this notification regarding the incident involving a Swiss-manufactured aircraft operating abroad. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the structural failure of the windshield.