Alberta, with its vast landscapes and diverse weather conditions, has seen its share of aviation accidents. While flying remains one of the safest modes of transport, these tragic incidents remind us of the importance of stringent safety measures and the unpredictable nature of air travel. Here, we explore some of the most recent Alberta plane crashes, detailing their causes, impacts, and lessons learned.
List of Alberta Plane Crashes
1. Cessna 152 – Claresholm, Alberta
A small aircraft crashed near Claresholm, Alta., on Aug. 28, 2023. At around 7:30 p.m., the Cessna 152 aircraft crashed northeast of the Claresholm airport. The pilot, a 24-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. She had a commercial pilot license with 391 hours of flight experience. The aircraft had not been flown for 31 days due to right-wing repairs. On July 27, it was damaged during a forced landing after an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion. On Aug. 28, during a test flight after repairs, the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. Eyewitnesses saw the plane in a shallow climb before it turned sharply and entered a steep descent, resulting in a fatal spin. Despite extensive maintenance checks, no mechanical issues were found to explain the crash.
2. Unspecified Aircraft – Beaverhill Lake, Alberta
On Aug. 11, 2023, a small plane crashed into Beaverhill Lake near Tofield, Alta., killing flight instructor Alex Lanovaz and seriously injuring his 24-year-old passenger, who later died. The plane was found about 200 meters offshore. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).
3. Unspecified Aircraft – Beaverhill Lake, Alberta
On Aug. 11, 2023, a plane crashed into Beaverhill Lake, resulting in one death at the scene and one serious injury. The injured person was airlifted to an Edmonton hospital. The incident involved personnel from various law enforcement, military, and firefighting organizations. The TSB is investigating the crash.
4. Piper PA32 – Kananaskis Village, Alberta
On July 29, 2023, a Piper PA32 crashed near Kananaskis Village, Alta., killing all six people on board. The aircraft was en route from Springbank Airport in Calgary to Salmon Arm, B.C. The plane crashed about five kilometers north of Kananaskis Village. The bodies were found on the mountain face of Mount McGillivray.
5. Unspecified Aircraft – MD of Opportunity, Northern Alberta
On Oct. 18, 2022, an 83-year-old pilot crashed his plane in the MD of Opportunity. The pilot managed to land the plane safely and sustained only minor injuries. The crash is under investigation by the TSB.
6. Air Tractor 502B – Donalda, Alberta
On Sept. 12, 2022, a crop duster plane crashed on a road near Donalda, Alta. The pilot, a 39-year-old man from Bawlf, was found dead at the scene. The aircraft had hit a sign during a forced landing. The TSB is investigating the incident.
7. Unspecified Aircraft – Didsbury, Alberta
On July 13, 2022, a small plane crashed near Didsbury, Alta., killing a 69-year-old pilot and a 65-year-old passenger. The crash occurred in an open farmer’s field. The TSB is investigating the cause of the crash.
8. Mooney M20C – Slave Lake, Alberta
On Aug. 31, 2021, a plane crashed in the rugged terrain of Marten Mountain near Slave Lake, Alta., killing the pilot. The pilot had filed a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan but encountered poor weather conditions. The TSB found no mechanical issues with the aircraft.
9. Unspecified Aircraft – Gleniffer Lake, Alberta
On Feb. 25, 2022, a small plane crashed on Gleniffer Lake in central Alberta. The pilot, the only person on board, escaped without injury. The circumstances of the unintentional landing are not criminal. The TSB is involved in the investigation.
10. Daher-Socata TBM-910 – Westlock Regional Airport, Alberta
On Oct. 10, 2021, a Daher-Socata TBM-910 crashed while landing at Westlock Regional Airport. The plane flipped, causing serious damage. A 60-year-old man was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition, and three others were taken to the hospital in stable condition. The TSB is investigating the cause of the crash.
FAQs
1. What are the main causes of Alberta plane crashes?
Like elsewhere, Alberta plane crashes are caused by various factors. Common causes include:
- Weather Conditions: Severe turbulence, icing, and poor visibility can contribute to accidents. For example, the 1957 crash near Leduc was due to severe turbulence, while the 1992 crash in Red Deer involved severe icing conditions.
- Mechanical Failures: Engine malfunctions and other mechanical issues can lead to crashes. The 2010 floatplane crash at Lake Wabamun was caused by engine failure.
- Human Factors: Pilot error, spatial disorientation, and fatigue are significant contributors. The 1984 crash in Grande Prairie and the 2013 crash near High Prairie were both attributed to spatial disorientation and pilot error.
- Navigational Errors: Mistakes in navigation due to instrument malfunction or human error can also lead to accidents, as seen in the 2007 crash in Fort McMurray.
2. How has aviation safety improved in Alberta following these crashes?
Each plane crash leads to a thorough investigation and often results in recommendations and changes to improve aviation safety. Key improvements include:
- Enhanced Weather Monitoring: Better systems for tracking and reporting severe weather conditions have been implemented to help pilots make informed decisions.
- Improved Maintenance Protocols: Stricter maintenance checks and procedures have been implemented, especially for critical systems like engines and altimeters.
- Advanced Pilot Training: Training programs have been updated to better prepare pilots for handling emergencies, spatial disorientation, and challenging weather conditions.
- Fatigue Management: Regulations and guidelines to manage pilot fatigue have been strengthened to ensure that pilots are well-rested and alert.
3. What should passengers know about aviation safety when flying in Alberta?
Passengers should be aware that despite these incidents, flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Key points to keep in mind include:
- Rigorous Safety Standards: Airlines and aircraft operating in Alberta adhere to strict safety regulations and undergo regular inspections.
- Experienced Pilots: Pilots receive extensive training and are equipped to handle various scenarios, including adverse weather and mechanical issues.
- Technological Advances: Modern aircraft have advanced technology to enhance safety, such as improved navigation systems and real-time weather monitoring.
- Emergency Protocols: Airlines and airports have well-established emergency procedures to ensure passenger safety in the event of an incident.
While these tragic events have marked Alberta’s aviation history, each incident has led to advancements in safety protocols, maintenance standards, and pilot training. By learning from these accidents, the aviation industry continues to improve, striving to make air travel safer for everyone.
As we remember those lost in these crashes, we also acknowledge the critical importance of ongoing vigilance and innovation in aviation safety. This commitment to safety is paramount, especially in light of recent natural disasters, such as the multiple tornadoes that swept through central Alberta, prompting weather alerts and further emphasizing the need for preparedness and resilience.
