What happened
On November 4, 2023, at approximately 04:15 local time, a Pilatus PC-24, registration C-FMHR, was performing a private flight from Vancouver International Airport (CYVR) to Kelowna International Airport (CYLW) in British Columbia, Canada. During the climb toward its assigned cruise altitude, the flight crew identified an issue regarding the aircraft's flight controls.
In response to the technical malfunction, the crew notified Vancouver Center of the situation and declared an emergency. They requested that Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services be positioned and ready for their arrival at Kelowna. Despite the control difficulties, the aircraft was able to complete the flight and landed at CYLW without further incident. The aircraft sustained serious damage during the event.
The investigation
The investigation into the incident was initiated by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). The inquiry focused on the circumstances leading to the flight control issue and the subsequent emergency declaration during the transition to cruise altitude.