The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 11 January 2023.
Collision with terrain
Privately registered
Zlin Aviation s.r.o. Savage Cub (advanced ultralight), C-IILH
Didsbury, Alberta, 7 NM E
The occurrence
On 13 July 2022 in the morning, a Zlin Aviation Savage advanced ultralight took off from approximately 7 NM SE of the Olds-Didsbury, AB airport (CEA3) to conduct a local sightseeing flight. There was one pilot and one passenger on board. At approximately 1015 MDT, 45 minutes after take-off, the aircraft collided with terrain 0.7 NM south of where it took off.
By 1530, as the aircraft was missing, searches were launched. The aircraft was located during an aerial search at approximately 1645. Emergency services were on scene by 1700 and found both occupants deceased. The aircraft was not equipped with an emergency locator transmitter nor was it required by regulation.
Media materials
News release
Investigation report into 2022 fatal collision with terrain near Didsbury, Alberta
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB is deploying a team of investigators following an ultralight aircraft accident that occurred near Didsbury, Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, 13 July 2022 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators following an accident involving an ultralight aircraft near Didsbury, Alberta. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A22W0057
Collision with terrain
Privately registered
Zlin Aviation s.r.o. Savage Cub (advanced ultralight), C-IILH
Didsbury, Alberta, 7 NM E
Investigator-in-charge
Jared Doell joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada as an investigator in the air branch of the TSB in 2019. Mr. Doell got his start in the aviation industry in 1994, when after graduating from the Southern Institute of Technology, he began his career as an aircraft maintenance engineer. Mr. Doell worked primarily in the rotorcraft segment of the industry, and has some experience in general aviation and fixed wing commuter operations. His work took him all over western and northern Canada, ending up in the Edmonton area as the director of maintenance for a helicopter Approved Maintenance Facility. In 2011, Jared joined Transport Canada and worked as an inspector in the Airworthiness and Standards departments.
Mr. Doell also holds a private pilot’s licence and has had the opportunity to fly recreationally in Canada and the U.S.
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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
- 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.