Release #: 15.09
April 14, 2015

TSB's Bearskin 311 Investigation Report Highlights Importance of Pilot Training

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its final report on Bearskin Airlines Flight 311, making it clear that multiple factors were responsible for the November 10, 2013, accident.

"Our sympathies go out to all those affected by this tragic accident," said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA president. "It is incumbent on all of us to take these lessons learned and implement changes to prevent similar accidents in the future. We look forward to continuing to work cooperatively and closely with the Minister of Transport, other government officials, and airline industry representatives to address the safety issues identified in this accident."

ALPA praised the TSB's in-depth analysis of the complex technical factors that led to this accident and is encouraged by the changes identified in the final report, which Bearskin and Transport Canada are implementing.

"As reaffirmed by the TSB's report, pilots must be given the system knowledge, tools, and skills to be able to respond to unexpected, abnormal, and potentially hazardous situations," said Capt. Dan Adamus, ALPA Canada Board president.

For decades, ALPA has advocated for improved aircraft design that would provide flight crews with a clear signal of any malfunction, which was not the case in this accident.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world's largest pilot union, representing more than 51,000 pilots at 30 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

 

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or Media@alpa.org

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