Aviation investigation A12Q0182

Engine power loss and forced landing of a Piper Seneca PA-34-200

The occurrence

On 15 October 2012, a Piper Seneca PA-34-200 operated by Nadeau Air Service was on a training flight in the region of Victoriaville, Quebec, when the right engine suddenly lost power. Shortly after, the crew declared an emergency and carried out a forced landing in a field near the Victoriaville airport. Both occupants sustained severe impact injuries and burns.

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) deployed two investigators to the site of the accident, and opened an investigation into the accident.

Investigator-in-Charge

Marc Perrault obtained his licence as professional helicopter pilot in 1974, and worked mainly abroad as pilot and chief pilot from 1975 to 1989. In 1989, he joined the Canadian Aviation Safety Board (now known as the TSB) as investigator; he has over twenty years of experience in accident investigations.

Map of the area

Photos

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Transportation Safety Board 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.