Richmond plane crash was ‘survivable’: TSB
Posted July 31, 2013 4:28 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – If it wasn’t for a fire that broke out after a small plane went down on Russ Baker Way in Richmond, both pilots would have likely survived.
That’s one of the findings of a two-year investigation by the Transportation Safety Board into the crash that killed two and injured seven in October, 2011.
“A post-impact fire destroyed the aircraft, and the 2 pilots died from burn-related injuries,” the report states. “In this accident, there was evidence of live battery-powered circuits after impact, and fire in areas where wiring is concentrated in the cockpit.”
The TSB says more has to be done to prevent post-crash fires in planes and it actually made the recommendations in 2006 but government didn’t address them.
“Transport said it would take too many resources and change too much to implement all of the boards recommendations in this case, however, we are trying to highlight this one that we think is doable,” explains Bill Yearwood with the TSB.
The investigation found the plane went down because of a loose oil cap and that led to an unfortunate chain of events including the pilot losing control.
The pilot was operating the plane under reduced engine power because of the leak. That caused the twin-engine to drag on its left side.
The seven passengers escaped with the help of witnesses who ran over to the plane. The two pilots, trapped in the cockpit, got out alive but didn’t survive after being taken to hospital.
The recommendations made in 2006 that could have made this crash “survivable” has prompted federal NDP transport critic Olivia Chow to call on the federal government to act now.
“It’s irresponsible for this government to sit on its hands and ignore the advice from its watchdog, from experts on how to improve air safety for Canadians.”
Chow wonders why Ottawa hasn’t moved on the concerns.
“Over and over again, the Transportation Safety Board said there are methods to reduce fatalities, and yet their recommendations gather dust.”
Transport Canada for its part, says it’s working with others to improve standards, but adds “part of the challenge is finding solutions that would apply to a wide range of aircraft.”
