TSB officials say investigation into fatal plane crash will take time

The Transportation Safety Board shared an update with the media on Saturday, saying investigators are now working on uncovering what exactly led Thursday night’s fatal plane crash, which left four people, including former Alberta premier Jim Prentice, dead.

Right now, the TSB can confirm the Cessna Citation aircraft, which was built in 1974, hit the ground at 9:40 p.m. PST, just eight minutes after takeoff. It crashed in a wooded area 11 kilometres north of the Kelowna Airport, and was destroyed due to what the board calls “high deceleration forces.” No emergency or distress calls were sent out before the crash.

Cessna Citation, Jim Prentice plane crash
Photo courtesy of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada

Cessna Citation, Jim Prentice plane crash
Photo courtesy of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada

Cessna Citation, Jim Prentice plane crash
Photo courtesy of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada

Five TSB investigators spent all day Saturday at the scene of the crash, and are working with RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service. So far, the team has performed a preliminary examination of the site and taken photographs of the wreckage.

TSB investigator Beverly Harvey said here is little electronic evidence to work with.

“The aircraft was not equipped with, nor was it required to carry a cockpit voice recorder or a flight data recorder,” she said. “However, the team will be reviewing any electronic components on the aircraft from which we can retrieve any data to help understand the flight profile.”

“We look at everything, because … unlike a car accident, there are many contributing factors. There’s not just one or two in an aircraft accident.”

In the coming days, investigators plan to speak with any witnesses and the victims’ families, get information about the weather conditions at the time of the crash, and also gather data on radio communication and radar information.

The TSB says the investigation is complex, and will take time to complete. Officials say updates will be provided as they are required.

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