The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 5 July 2016.
Uncontained turbine rotor failure
Bombardier Inc.
BD-500-1A10 (C Series CS100), C-FBCS
Montréal International (Mirabel) Airport, Quebec
The occurrence
On 29 May 2014, a Bombardier C series CS100, registration C-FBCS, serial number 50001, with 2 pilots and 4 test engineers on board was conducting engine ground runs at the Montréal International (Mirabel) Airport, Quebec. During the test, at 1837 Eastern Daylight Time, the left engine (Pratt & Whitney Canada model PW1524G) experienced a sudden power loss caused by an uncontained turbine rotor failure. After having been advised of smoke and fire from the engine, the crew immediately secured the engine and declared an emergency. All personnel on board evacuated the aircraft. Bombardier ground personnel successfully extinguished the fire. There were no injuries, but the engine and aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Media materials
News release
Hot engine shutdowns led to turbine rotor failure during Bombardier pre-aircraft certification tests at Montréal International (Mirabel) Airport, Quebec, in May 2014
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deployed investigator to occurrence involving Bombardier CS100 aircraft in Mirabel, Quebec
Dorval, Quebec, 30 May, 2014 - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) deployed an investigator to Mirabel, Quebec, where a Bombardier CS100 aircraft experienced an engine failure during ground testing. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A14Q0068
Uncontained turbine rotor failure
Bombardier Inc.
BD-500-1A10 (C Series CS100), C-FBCS
Montréal International (Mirabel) Airport, Quebec
Investigator-in-charge
Mr. Jimmy Cancino has over 25 years of civil aviation experience. He joined the TSB in 2013 and is now a Regional Senior Investigator based out of Dorval, Quebec.
Before joining the TSB, Mr. Cancino worked during 11 years for Transport Canada both as a civil aviation safety inspector and as an enforcement investigator after a career in the private sector as an aircraft maintenance engineer and inspector for various approved maintenance organizations, aircraft manufacturers and airlines.
Mr. Cancino holds an aircraft maintenance engineer license from Transport Canada.
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.