The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has indicated that the inquiry into an airplane landing on a road in Prince George and colliding with vehicles, resulting in one fatality, may require up to 450 days to conclude. The TSB is investigating the incident that occurred on August 20, involving a twin-engine Beech King Air 200 making an emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard, striking four vehicles and causing the death of prominent volunteer Alex Garneau, who was present at the scene.
The TSB has disclosed that the aircraft experienced a loss of power in one engine, leading to the emergency landing. Nonetheless, aviation specialists have noted that this particular aircraft model should be capable of operating on a single engine.
Former TSB investigator Bill Yearwood has suggested that additional factors likely influenced the decision to land on a busy road and expressed anticipation for the findings in the final report.
The TSB has entered the analysis and examination phase of a Class 3 investigation, which is described as an in-depth inquiry necessitating a substantial effort and of moderate complexity. According to the TSB website, this type of investigation typically concludes within 450 days and includes analysis, findings, and potential recommendations.
The TSB mentioned that interim updates on the investigation may be released before the final report, with a dedicated webpage being established for these updates on its website. The aircraft involved was registered to Sekani Air Ltd., a charter flight company in Prince George, which has chosen not to provide comments.
The airplane was en route to Prince George Airport from Sturdee Airstrip in northwest British Columbia, carrying two pilots and six passengers associated with three different companies in the regional resource industry. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew. Further details have not been disclosed.
