The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 1 May 2024.
Loss of engine power and forced landing
Conair Group Inc.
Air Tractor, Inc. AT-802A, C-FFQS
Cranbrook, British Columbia, 20 NM S
The occurrence
On 02 August 2022, the Air Tractor, Inc. AT-802A aircraft (registration C-FFQS, serial number 802A-0629), equipped with amphibious floats and operated by Conair Group Inc. as Fireguard 673, was conducting aerial firefighting operations from Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport (CYXC), British Columbia, with 1 crew member on board. Fireguard 673 was the 4th aircraft working in a group of 4, with 1 additional aircraft acting as a bird dog. After conducting the 8th water drop on the Connell Ridge wildfire, the pilot of Fireguard 673 applied power for the climb-out, but the engine power rolled back to idle. When he then selected the emergency power lever, no more power was produced. The pilot selected a reforested area and completed a forced landing. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was taken by helicopter to receive medical aid. There was no post-impact fire. The aircraft was substantially damaged.
Media materials
News release
Loss of engine power led to forced landing during firefighting operations near Connell Ridge, BC
Read the news release
Investigation information
A22P0067
Loss of engine power and forced landing
Conair Group Inc.
Air Tractor, Inc. AT-802A, C-FFQS
Cranbrook, British Columbia, 20 NM S
Investigator-in-charge
Dan Clarke joined the TSB’s Air Investigations Branch as a Senior Technical Investigator in the Pacific Region in 2018. During his career, Mr. Clarke worked as an aircraft maintenance engineer – structures, for several fixed wing and rotary wing operations.
Mr. Clarke also has several years’ experience as a Quality Assurance Manager. Prior to joining the TSB, he worked for Transport Canada's Civil Aviation Branch for nine years, the first four years as an Airworthiness Inspector and the last five years as a Technical Team Lead.
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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.