![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Engine failure, fire force WestJet Encore flight back to Calgary
![WestJet plane suffers engine issue A WestJet logo is seen in the domestic check-in area at Vancouver International Airport, in Richmond, B.C., on Friday, May 19, 2023. One of the airline's Encore planes was forced to turn back to Calgary on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, following an engine fire.](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/6/1/westjet-plane-suffers-engine-issue-1-6422741-1685630145114.jpg)
A WestJet Encore flight returned to Calgary on Wednesday after an engine failure and fire while heading north of the city.
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) says it happened at 9:11 a.m. on a De Havilland DHC-8-400.
It was headed to Fort Chipewyan with two flight crew and two flight attendants.
WestJet has not yet responded to CTV Calgary's request for additional information about the flight but it appears it was headed to the community to transport wildfire evacuees.
The right engine failed, an emergency was declared and the fire was extinguished before landing back in Calgary.
WestJet said in a statement the issue occurred as a result of an engine compressor failure.
"The crew followed all standard safety procedures and were able to safely contain any fire due to comprehensive operating procedures and engine design. As this was an aircraft positioning to Fort Chipewyan, there were no guests on board and at no point was the safety of our crew at risk," said Denise Kenny, WestJet's public relations manager.
The TSB has deployed two investigators to gather information and assess the occurrence.
They will examine the aircraft, interview witnesses and retrieve the flight data recorder, cockpit recorder and other components.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
AS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.