PICKLE LAKE — An investigation into a plane receiving the wrong fuel has concluded.
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) was investigating a SkyCare Air Ambulance (SkyCare) aircraft that landed at the Pickle Lake Airport on Oct. 14, 2023 and was given the wrong type of fuel.
Their investigation indicated that a receipt showed the plane was fuelled with Jet A-1 instead of AVGAS fuel, which the flight's first officer signed off on and was not reviewed by the captain.
The TSB's report noted that during takeoff the first officer and captain "heard an abnormal sound and perceived a fluctuating manifold pressure indication on both engines."
The pair also noted "unusual emissions trailing from the aircraft on departure."
Through various communications, it was confirmed to flight staff that the wrong fuel had been added to the plane.
The crew diverted to Sioux Lookout Airport and landed without incident.
The individual who had refuelled the plane received company training that consisted of procedures for fuelling aircraft from stationary tanks.
According to the report, SkyCare issued an operational bulletin in December 2023 outlining the event, the hazards associated with refuelling, and the need for flight crews to supervise the fuelling of their aircraft.
