Mid-air collision
Aquila Aviation Limited and Pacific Rim Aviation Academy Incorporated
Cessna 172S, C-FMNB
and
Cessna 172L, C-FBZQ
Chilliwack Airport (CYCW), British Columbia, 2.5 NM WNW
The occurrence
On 3 August 2026, a Cessna 172S (C-FMNB) operated by Aquila Aviation Limited departed Abbotsford Airport, British Columbia (BC), on a local training flight under visual flight rules, with a flight instructor and a commercial student pilot (who also had a private pilot licence) on board. Meanwhile, a Pacific Rim Aviation Academy Incorporated Cessna 172L (C-FBZQ) piloted by a commercial student pilot, who also held a private pilot licence, and an instructor departed Pitt Meadows Airport, BC, on a cross-country flight via Chilliwack Airport, BC, under visual flight rules.
About 25 minutes after departure, the Cessna 172S (C-FMNB) was flying west-southwest, two nautical miles north of Chilliwack Airport at 2000 feet above sea level, while the Cessna 172L (C-FBZQ) was climbing northwest after a touch-and-go at the airport. The two aircraft collided about 2.5 nautical miles west-northwest of the Chilliwack Airport at 1900 feet.
Following the collision, the Cessna 172L (C-FBZQ) descended almost vertically into a lake and submerged. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured. The Cessna 172S (C-FMNB) landed safely at the Chilliwack Airport but could not taxi to the apron. The aircraft was substantially damaged, but neither occupant was injured. The TSB is investigating.
Media materials
Investigation information
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 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.