Communiqués

TSB # A19/2005

A REPORT BY THE TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD OF CANADA REVEALS THAT MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION PROBLEMS CONTRIBUTED TO AN OCCURRENCE INVOLVING A JAZZ AIR AIRCRAFT IN KINGSTON, ONTARIO, IN 2004

(Gatineau, Quebec, December 15, 2005) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today released its investigation report (A04O0237) on the flight control difficulties experienced by a Jazz Air Inc. aircraft in Kingston on September 2, 2004.

The in-depth TSB investigation revealed problems in maintenance and inspection procedures. TSB investigators also found deficiencies in training and in checklists provided to the flight crew. At the same time the Board was conducting its investigation, Air Canada Jazz conducted an internal investigation that identified a number of deficiencies. The company has since modified some of its procedures to improve the quality of the work and to reduce the chance of a maintenance error going undetected.

On September 2, 2004, the de Havilland DHC-8 aircraft, operated by Jazz Air Inc. as flight number JZA7841, departed from Kingston to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario. During the initial climb following take-off, the first officer noted an abnormal flight control situation, notified the captain and requested his assistance. As the aircraft climbed, the captain declared an emergency, indicating that they were experiencing control difficulties and that the aircraft might have to land at Trenton, Ontario. The flight crew levelled the aircraft and the captain decided to continue the flight. The flight landed at Toronto without further incident.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation 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.

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The public report, A04O0237, is also available on this site.