Newfoundland (Rajeev Sharma): A small aircraft went down Saturday evening near the Deer Lake Regional Airport in western Newfoundland, resulting in at least one fatality, authorities have confirmed.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. NT, just outside the airport boundary in the town of Deer Lake, which is home to about 5,000 residents. Emergency services, including the RCMP and first responders, quickly arrived at the scene.
The aircraft involved was a Piper Navajo twin-engine plane, owned by Kisik Geospatial and Aerial Survey, a B.C.-based aerial mapping company. In a public statement, the company’s owner and accountable executive, Andrew Naysmith, confirmed the crash had resulted in a loss of life.
“We’re heartbroken over this tragic incident,” said Naysmith. “Our thoughts are with the families affected. We are committed to supporting them in any way we can during this difficult time.”
While it remains unclear how many individuals were aboard at the time of the crash, the aircraft model is typically capable of carrying up to eight passengers. Naysmith added that the names of those involved will not be released until official authorities provide that information.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has launched an investigation. Spokesperson Liam MacDonald confirmed Saturday evening that a team is en route to the crash site to begin a full probe.
Crash Shocks Deer Lake Community
Mayor Mike Goosney noted that the crash took place just outside the town limits. “This isn’t something we ever expect to happen here,” Goosney told CBC. “It’s shocking. Right now, we’re all hoping and praying for those affected.”
Such incidents are rare in the Deer Lake area. The last known aviation accident connected to the local airport dates back to 1999, when a cargo aircraft crashed after taking off, ultimately going down in Ontario.
Town councillor Brett Langdon also acknowledged the crash in a social media update, urging residents to avoid the area. “There are reports of a crash near the airport entrance. The Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) east of town has been shut down in both directions,” he wrote on Facebook.
Langdon emphasized that while aviation accidents are uncommon in the region, local emergency crews are trained and prepared for such scenarios.
Airport Operations Continue Amid Emergency
Tammy Priddle, CEO of Deer Lake Regional Airport, said the Piper Navajo departed at 5:27 p.m., just moments before reports of a crash came in. She confirmed that the airport’s emergency response system was immediately activated and that fire crews, police, and health services responded swiftly.
Despite the incident, the airport has remained operational. Arrivals and departures continue as scheduled, with travelers encouraged to check directly with airlines or the airport website for updates.
Priddle declined to comment on the number of casualties, stating that the RCMP is handling the scene and will provide details when appropriate.
Eyewitness Describes Dramatic Scene
Dean Major, a local contractor, was near the site when the crash occurred. Speaking to CBC, he described witnessing the aircraft descending while emitting smoke from its right side. He said the plane turned, exposing the cockpit, before an audible pop was followed by a cloud of thick black smoke.
Moments later, Major discovered the wreckage near the Trans-Canada Highway at the Airport Road junction. “It was engulfed in flames,” he said. “We couldn’t see anyone inside. There was nothing left, just the skeleton of the aircraft.”
Major and his co-workers alerted emergency services, who responded promptly.
