The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has begun investigating the plane crash involving 22 passengers and three crew near the Fond-du-Lac Airport, Saskatchewan.
While no cause has been found for the crash, here's what we know so far:
On December 13th, 2017, a ATR42-320 operated by West Wind Aviation with 22 passengers and three crew on board collided with terrain shortly after take-off from the Fond-du-Lac Airport (ZFD). The plane was headed to Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan (YSF). Several passengers and one crew member sustained serious injuries.
The TSB investigative team has conducted the initial survey of the accident site and taken photographs of the wreckage. They've also recovered the Flight Data Recorder, Cockpit Voice Recorder and Emergency Locator Transmitter.
According to the TSB, the plane landed in trees and terrain, leaving a wreckage path of at least 800 feet (243.84 metres). The plane landed upright, but tilted to the right and sustained significant damage to the left side, leaving the fuselage ruptured near seating row three.
Over the coming weeks, the team will continue to examine the site and gather information about the weather conditions, radar and maintenance records. The team will also look into pilot training and interview witnesses.
"Should the investigation team uncover safety deficiencies that present an immediate risk, the Board will communicate them without delay," stated a spokesperson for the TSB. "Further, it is important not to draw conclusions or speculate as to causes at this time."
The investigation is being lead by David Ross. He's been a TSB operations investigator since 1999.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
