Report an air occurrence

Determine whether the occurrence is reportable

Definition of a reportable occurrence
  1. in the case of an accident
    1. a person is killed or sustains a serious injury as a result of
      1. being on board the aircraft,
      2. coming into direct contact with any part of the aircraft, including parts that have become detached from the aircraft, or
      3. being directly exposed to jet blast, rotor down wash or propeller wash,
    2. the aircraft sustains structural failure or damage that adversely affects the aircraft's structural strength, performance or flight characteristics and would normally require major repair or replacement of any affected component, except for
      1. engine failure or damage, when the damage is limited to the engine, its cowlings or accessories, or
      2. damage limited to propellers, wing tips, antennae, tires, brakes, fairings or small dents or puncture holes in the aircraft's skin, or
    3. the aircraft is missing or inaccessible; and
  2. in the case of an incident involving an aircraft having a maximum certificated take-off weight greater than 2 250 kg, or of an aircraft being operated under an air operator certificate issued under Part VII of the Canadian Aviation Regulations
    1. an engine fails or is shut down as a precautionary measure,
    2. a power train transmission gearbox malfunction occurs,
    3. smoke is detected or a fire occurs on board,
    4. difficulties in controlling the aircraft are encountered owing to any aircraft system malfunction, weather phenomena, wake turbulence, uncontrolled vibrations or operations outside the flight envelope,
    5. the aircraft fails to remain within the intended landing or take-off area, lands with all or part of the landing gear retracted or drags a wing tip, an engine pod or any other part of the aircraft,
    6. a crew member whose duties are directly related to the safe operation of the aircraft is unable to perform their duties as a result of a physical incapacitation which poses a threat to the safety of persons, property or the environment,
    7. depressurization of the aircraft occurs that requires an emergency descent,
    8. a fuel shortage occurs that requires a diversion or requires approach and landing priority at the destination of the aircraft,
    9. the aircraft is refuelled with the incorrect type of fuel or contaminated fuel,
    10. a collision, a risk of collision or a loss of separation occurs,
    11. a crew member declares an emergency or indicates an emergency that requires priority handling by air traffic services or the standing by of emergency response services,
    12. a slung load is released unintentionally or as a precautionary or emergency measure from the aircraft, or
    13. any dangerous goods are released in or from the aircraft.

Source: Transportation Safety Board Regulations Section 2(1)

If you wish to report—in complete confidence—another kind of act or condition in the Canadian transportation system that is potentially unsafe, use Securitas.

Determine whether you are the right person to report

You may report the occurrence if you are the owner, operator, pilot-in-command, any crew member of the aircraft or, where the accident or incident involves a loss of separation or a risk of collision, any air traffic controller having direct knowledge of the accident or incident.

See Transportation Safety Board Regulations Section 2(1)

Call with your initial report as soon as possible after the occurrence

A standby investigator is ready to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Direct or collect: 819-994-3741
  • Toll-free: 1-800-387-3557

See Transportation Safety Board Regulations Section 2(1)

Submit a full report within 30 days of the occurrence

Complete and submit the form below.

Air reporting form

See Transportation Safety Board Regulations Section 2(3)

Personal information collection statement

All personal information created, held or collected by the TSB is protected under the Privacy Act. This means that you will be informed of the purpose for which it is being collected and how to exercise your right of access to that information. You will be asked for your consent where appropriate.

Public communications

The personal information you include in an inquiry may be used to prepare a reply. The personal information is collected pursuant to the Privacy Act. Such information may be used for statistical, evaluation and reporting purposes. The information is included in the personal information bank PSU 914 - Public communications. The information may be shared with programs and activities of the TSB should your inquiry pertain to a specific program or activity of the agency. In such cases, the information is included in the personal information bank of the program or activity.



Telephone (toll-free in Canada):
Telephone (outside Canada):
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
200 Promenade du Portage
Place du Centre, 4th floor
Gatineau QC K1A 1K8

Privacy Inquiry

Any questions, comments, concerns or complaints regarding the administration of the Privacy Act and privacy policies may be directed to the departmental Privacy Coordinator by:

Transportation Safety Board of Canada
200 Promenade du Portage
Place du Centre, 4th floor
Gatineau QC K1A 1K8
