The TSB has completed this class 5 investigation. This information was posted on 10 September 2025.
Stall and collision with terrain
Privately registered
Morrisey (Shinn Engineering Inc.) 2150A (Varga), C-GFHZ
Vermilion Aerodrome (CYVG), Alberta, 0.9 NM NW
The occurrence
The privately registered Morrisey (Shinn Engineering Inc.) 2150A (Varga) aircraft (registration C-GFHZ) was conducting a local sightseeing flight from Vermilion Aerodrome (CYVG), Alberta, with the pilot and 1 passenger on board. It departed CYVG at approximately 1145 Mountain Daylight Time.
After approximately 40 minutes, the aircraft was returning to land at CYVG. On approach, the pilot joined the mid-left-downwind leg for Runway 10 and attempted to land. For unknown reasons, this approach was discontinued, and the pilot conducted a go-around, rejoining the left-downwind leg for Runway 10. While turning from the base leg to final, the aircraft stalled. The left wing dropped, and the aircraft entered a spin to the left. The aircraft completed one and a half rotations before impacting the ground. The aircraft came to rest approximately 0.9 nautical miles (NM) northwest of the airport. All occupants were fatally injured. The aircraft was destroyed; there was a post-impact fire.
Work completed at 10 September 2025
Weather information
The closest weather reporting station to CYVG is Lloydminster Airport (CYLL), Alberta, which is 27 NM to the east. The hourly aerodrome routine meteorological report (METAR) issued at 1200 indicated winds from 50° true at 12 knots, gusting to 22 knots. Visibility was 12 statute miles in light rain. There were few clouds at 5000 feet above ground level (AGL) and an overcast ceiling at 8000 feet AGL, with a temperature of 10 °C and a dew point of 5 °C. The altimeter setting was 29.85 inches of mercury.
The METAR issued at 1300 indicated winds from 40° true at 15 knots, gusting to 26 knots. Visibility was 10 statute miles in light rain. There were few clouds at 5000 feet AGL and an overcast ceiling at 7200 feet AGL. The temperature, dew point, and altimeter setting remained unchanged.
Pilot information
The owner/pilot held a private pilot licence – aeroplane that had been issued on 08 May 2024 and was endorsed for single-engine landplanes. The pilot also held a valid Category 3 medical certificate with no restrictions. The investigation was unable to determine the owner/pilot’s total flight time or time on the occurrence aircraft because the journey log was destroyed by the post-impact fire.
Aircraft information
The Morrisey (Shinn Engineering Inc.) 2150A (Varga) aircraft is an all-metal, low-wing, fixed-gear, 2-seat, light aircraft fitted with a tricycle undercarriage and dual-control sticks. The occurrence aircraft was equipped with a 160 hp Lycoming O-320-B2C engine.
A review of the aircraft technical records indicated that annual inspections had been performed as required by regulations, and the last annual inspection was dated 28 December 2024. The last entry in the engine log, made at the annual inspection, showed the engine had 963.0 hours. The last entry in the airframe log, also made at the annual inspection, showed the airframe had 2117.9 hours.
The investigation calculated that the aircraft was likely below its maximum gross weight and the centre of gravity was within the prescribed limits at the time of the occurrence.
The aircraft had no known deficiencies before the occurrence flight. The post-accident aircraft examination did not reveal any defects with the flight control system, and nothing was observed that would have prevented the engine from producing power.
The investigation was unable to recover any flight-path data from GPS (global positioning system), radar, or ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast) sources.
Next steps
This investigation is closed.
Investigation information
A25W0073
Stall and collision with terrain
Privately registered
Morrisey (Shinn Engineering Inc.) 2150A (Varga), C-GFHZ
Vermilion Aerodrome (CYVG), Alberta, 0.9 NM NW
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Class of investigation
This is a class 5 investigation. Class 5 investigations are limited to collecting data, which are then stored in the modal database. If TSB investigators deployed to the occurrence site, a short description of the occurrence is posted to the TSB website once the investigation has been completed. These investigations are generally completed within 90 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.