January 24, 2019 - 2:20 PM
GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. - A pilot who died last summer in the fiery crash of an ultralight plane near Grande Prairie, Alta., had just taken off in the newly purchased aircraft before it hit the ground less than two kilometres from a private airfield.
The Transportation Safety Board says the pilot had just over 60 hours of experience flying ultralights and had obtained his permit to fly in April.
The board's report into the crash notes the pilot took a few practice flights with the previous owner of the Kasper Kootenay Wings MS Special, but didn't fly solo until the fatal crash.
The report says the man had planned to fly the ultralight to Saskatoon.
The board notes there are no training or maintenance requirements when an ultralight is sold or after it is purchased.
The report says the investigation could not determine to what extent the pilot had studied, trained or prepared to fly the ultralight and how much understanding he had of the aircraft's engine and flight systems.
"Basic ultralight aircraft are operated with little regulation and regulatory oversight," said the report released Thursday.
"Therefore, pilots are responsible for ensuring that they are knowledgeable about aircraft systems, particularly when operating an unfamiliar aircraft."
At the time of the crash, RCMP said the man who died was 43 and from Saskatchewan.
His name and home community were not released.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2019