Fatal Mid-Air Collision Claims Life North of Cornwall

On Saturday, a tragic mid-air collision occurred in South Glengarry Township, Ontario, resulting in one fatality. The incident took place around 10:50 a.m., as reported by provincial police.

Details of the Collision

Following the crash, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a witness report about ten minutes later. Among the two planes involved, a Piper Seminole managed to land safely at the Cornwall-Summerstown Regional Airport. In contrast, the second aircraft, a Cessna 172, crashed in a wooded area north of Martintown, along County Road 25.

Casualties and Search Efforts

The sole occupant of the Cessna was found deceased at the site of the crash, while the Piper had two individuals on board who escaped without injuries. The recovery of the Cessna was challenging due to its location deep in the woods.

• Incident Location: South Glengarry Township, Ontario
• Time of Collision: 10:50 a.m.
• Aircraft Involved:
  • Piper Seminole (successfully landed)
  • Cessna 172 (crashed)
• Occupants:
  • Piper Seminole: Two occupants, not injured
  • Cessna 172: One occupant, deceased
• Recovery Challenges: Cessna found deep in the woods

Investigation Initiated

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. J.P. Regnier, a senior investigator with the TSB, noted that the planes were conducting separate training exercises when they collided. Initial findings suggested that the Cessna 172 may have lost its wing during the accident.

Witness Accounts

One witness, Glen Finbow, described hearing a loud “pop” before observing the Cessna descending rapidly, airborne at around 2,000 feet. Finbow promptly notified emergency services upon witnessing the event.

Ongoing Efforts and Community Response

The TSB is coordinating the retrieval of the Cessna from the forested area, and investigators expect to remain on-site for several days. Local authorities have urged residents to steer clear of the vicinity while seeking additional witnesses to the incident. As of 3 p.m. on the day of the crash, County Road 25 remained closed to facilitate the investigation.

Both aircraft were registered to Cornwall Aviation Ltd., a flight school based in the region. The community is mourning the loss, and the investigation aims to provide insights into the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident.