18.08.2026

Missing Pilot After Home-Built Plane Found in Park

The Trenton Joint Rescue Coordination Centre says a home-built plane that failed to return to Oshawa, Ont

The Trenton Joint Rescue Coordination Centre has reported the discovery of a home-built plane that went missing after taking off from Oshawa, Ontario. The aircraft was found, but the 73-year-old pilot, referred to only as David, remains unaccounted for. His disappearance has prompted authorities to transition the operation from search-and-rescue to a missing persons case.

The plane was located on Wolf Lake within Queen Elizabeth II Provincial Park, situated in the Kawartha Lakes region. This development came after a large-scale search operation was initiated on Friday following David's flight. He departed from Oshawa Airport at 8:30 a.m. but did not return as scheduled at 9:30 a.m.

David is described as an experienced pilot who is familiar with the airspace in the vicinity of Kawartha Lakes and Lake Scugog. The police have provided details about the missing aircraft, indicating it is a blue and yellow home-built model, identifiable by the tail number "FOFZ."

The Ontario Provincial Police are now leading the investigation into the missing pilot. They have noted that search units will continue to assist in efforts aimed at locating David. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are being treated with urgency, given the time that has elapsed since the plane's last reported activity.

As the search continues, the community and authorities alike remain hopeful for a positive outcome. The pilot's experience and familiarity with the local geography are aspects that could play a significant role in the ongoing search efforts. The situation has drawn attention from various stakeholders, highlighting the importance of safety in aviation, especially for small, home-built aircraft.