Within the first few days of starting its investigation into the October 13 fatal crash of a Cessna Citation 500, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) reiterated its long-time recommendation to expand the requirement for cockpit and flight data recorders to business jets. “Unfortunately, the absence of a CVR or FDR will make this investigation particularly challenging,” the TSB said.

In Canada, as well as in the U.S., only multi-engine, turbine-powered commercial aircraft flown by two pilots and carrying six or more passengers are required to carry a CVR. In 1991 the TSB made its first recommendation calling for upgrading recorder requirements. “If we are to get to the underlying causes of these tragic accidents, Transport Canada and the aviation industry need to take immediate action to address this outstanding safety issue,” the board said.  

Meanwhile, Transport Canada never followed through in its responses to produce an Advisory Circular or conduct focus-group consultations on recorders. Instead, the agency has revised its response and now plans to prepare an “issue paper” and revisit the risk assessment on recorders. However, no specific timeline was provided for this.