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Air transportation safety investigation A20W0046

The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 13 January 2021.

Table of contents

Loss of control and collision with terrain

Privately registered
Murphy Aircraft Mfg Ltd. SR3500 (Moose), C-GATR
Rolly View, Alberta, 2 NM NE

View final report

The occurrence

On , an amateur-built Murphy SR3500, also known as the Murphy Moose (high-wing 4-seat aircraft), departed Cooking Lake Airport, in Alberta, to conduct seaplane endorsement training, also known as float training, with one pilot, one training pilot and one passenger on board. The aircraft was equipped with amphibious floats (wheels that can extend to allow the aircraft to operate on runways).

After a touch-and-go on a lake to the east of Cooking Lake, the aircraft proceeded to the southwest. While maneuvering in the vicinity of Rolly View, Alberta, the aircraft departed controlled flight and collided with terrain. All occupants were fatally injured; there was no post-impact fire.


Media materials

News release

2021-01-13

Investigation report: July 2020 loss of control and collision with terrain of a small aircraft in Rolly View, Alberta
Read the news release

Deployment notice

2020-07-03

TSB deploys a team following a small aircraft accident near the Edmonton International Airport, Alberta

Edmonton, Alberta, 3 July 2020 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to the site of small aircraft accident that occurred near the Edmonton International Airport in Alberta. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.


Investigation information

Map showing the location of the occurrence




Investigator-in-charge

Photo of Mike Adam

Mike Adam joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in early 2014, bringing with him extensive experience in aviation line maintenance and quality assurance for transport category air carriers. Mr. Adam also has experience with various single and twin engine aircraft, both piston and turbine powered, as well as amateur-built aircraft.


Class of investigation

This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

TSB investigation process

There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

  1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.