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RCMP plane crash caused by faulty sensor: TSB report

Tuesday, 3 June 2025 14:37

By Panebi Wilson @chonfmpwilson

TSB Picture of the Pilatus PC-12/47E plane that crashed at the Whitehorse airport in April 2023 that resulted in serious injuries to the pilot. (Panebi Wilson/CHON-FM news)

A faulty stall warning system sensor was the primary cause of the crash. The sensor failure triggered a false stall signal, activating the stick shaker and warning system.

A recent report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has shed light on the cause of an RCMP plane crash at the Whitehorse airport in April 2023. The incident resulted in serious injuries to the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.

According to the TSB report, a faulty stall warning system sensor was the primary cause of the crash. The sensor failure triggered a false stall signal, activating the stick shaker and warning system. Despite the pilot's extensive experience of 8,700 flying hours, they were unable to suppress the warning due to inadequate training and limited guidance from the pilot operating handbook.

The plane, a Pilatus PC-12/47E, took off from Whitehorse with the pilot alone on board. Shortly after takeoff, the stall warning and stick shaker activated, prompting the pilot to attempt a return to the runway. However, due to radio congestion, the pilot's message was not received by air traffic control.

The plane crashed while attempting to land, with the right wing hitting the ground and the left wing breaking off after striking a pile of frozen asphalt. The pilot exited the plane with the help of emergency personnel and was hospitalized overnight.

The TSB report highlighted the need for improved training on stall warning malfunctions and single-pilot operating procedures. In response, the RCMP has enhanced its training programs and reviewed technical records of its fleet.

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