TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 25 June 2025.
Loss of control and collision with terrain
SkyQuest Aviation Ltd.
Piper Aircraft Corp. PA-34-200 (Seneca), C-GTYH
Chilliwack Airport (CYCW), British Columbia
The occurrence
On 06 October 2023, the SkyQuest Aviation Ltd. Piper PA-34-200 Seneca aircraft departed Langley Regional Airport, British Columbia (BC), on a training flight with 1 instructor, 1 student and 1 passenger on board.
After conducting some manoeuvring exercises and a circuit at Chilliwack Airport, BC, the aircraft initiated a missed approach exercise. During the manoeuvre, the airplane rolled to the right and continued to roll until it struck trees and terrain in a nose-down and inverted attitude.
All 3 occupants were fatally injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged and there was no post-impact fire.
Media materials
Investigation information
A23P0130
Loss of control and collision with terrain
SkyQuest Aviation Ltd.
Piper Aircraft Corp. PA-34-200 (Seneca), C-GTYH
Chilliwack Airport (CYCW), British Columbia
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Class of investigation
This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- 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.
- 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.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.