Transportation Safety Board (TSB) Engineering Division at Bldg U-100, Ottawa Airport
The lab provides engineering support for aviation, rail, ship and pipeline accident investigations.
TSB Engineering Specialist Mark Wallis describes the delamination of a pair of Bell 47 rotor blades.
Ted Parisee demonstrates a computer animation of how a lifeboat latch failed to operate properly.
The mangled remains of a Beech 18 R985 engine that destroyed itself after the crankshaft counterweights became detached.
TSB's Ted Givins and Watch Chairman Nelson Plamondon in the flight recorder playback center.
The orange 'black boxes' - flight data and cockpit voice recorders from a Bombardier Global Express.
Ted Givins shows a computer animation generated from the FDR from the Air France A340 over-run accident at Pearson.
Ted Givins shows the group an example of an old-style metal foil flight data recorder.

Click on thumbnail to view high resolution image.

On Wednesday January 16th, about a dozen members of the YOW Airport Watch group had the privilege of touring the Engineering Branch of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB). This Board, reporting directly to the Privy Council Office, is responsible for the independent investigation of incidents/accidents involving air, sea, rail and pipeline equipment across the country. On occasion, they are also called to help in investigations conducted abroad when Canadian registered or manufactured equipment is involved in the event.

The Engineering Branch of the TSB is located next to the National Research Council's Flight Research Laboratories, a few steps away from the airport's terminal. In addition to several laboratories, the facility includes a large hangar to accommodate large pieces of equipment while providing shelter to the engineers so they can conduct their investigation. A dedicated room above the hangar is made available to the investigation team to provide a suitable working environment, away from the typical distractions of their office, and allow to for more communication between the team members. The facility even includes a backyard to store the bits and pieces following the investigation, for future reference as required.

The visit started with a nice introduction by Mrs. Diane Rocheleau and a brief video overview of TSB operations. Our group was then divided into two smaller groups for the visit of the facility. Our wonderful tour guides, Mr. Doug McEwen and Mr. Mark Wallis did an outstanding job in leading the enthusiastic members through the different laboratories: metallurgy, structures, materials, systems, taking the time to answer all the questions and providing loads of information at every step of the way.

In each laboratory/section, a designated person was available to explain the various tools used for the analysis, ranging from sophisticated computers and electronic microscopes to the basic metal grinders used to prepare various specimens of turbine blades or railroad tracks. Although the watch members were particularly curious about airplane related investigations, looking at twisted or cracked railroad tracks or carriage wheels was quite interesting as well.

The tour lasted about 3 hours but it felt much shorter than that, thanks to the dedication of everyone involved. They deserve a big thank you from all who visited that day. It was truly a memorable and enjoyable event.

The YOW Airport Watch would also like to thank our Regional Police coordinator, Cst. Gary Davidson of the Ottawa Police Service, for organizing this event.