The Transportation Safety Board has dispatched investigators to the scene of a tragic plane crash that occurred in western Newfoundland on Saturday afternoon. A Piper PA-31 Navajo aircraft, which was registered to Kisik Aerial Survey Inc., went down approximately one kilometer south of Deer Lake Airport shortly after taking off on a local flight.
Andrew Naysmith, the owner and accountable executive of Kisik Aerial Survey Inc., released a statement on the company's website expressing their devastation over the incident, confirming that the crash resulted in fatalities. The number of people onboard the aircraft at the time of the accident is currently unknown, and Naysmith stated that the company will not disclose the identities of those involved.
Local authorities, including the Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP, had previously announced via social media that the Trans-Canada Highway was closed in both directions near Deer Lake Airport due to the crash. However, they later confirmed that the highway has since reopened to traffic.
The RCMP is actively collaborating with the investigators from the Transportation Safety Board as they work to uncover the details surrounding this unfortunate event. The community and those connected to the victims are undoubtedly affected by this loss, as expressed by Naysmith’s heartfelt statement.
This incident raises concerns regarding aviation safety and the operational protocols followed by small aircraft in the region. The investigation will likely focus on several key aspects, including the conditions of the flight, maintenance records of the aircraft, and the flight crew's experience.
As the investigation progresses, updates will be provided to the public, ensuring transparency regarding the findings and any potential safety recommendations that may arise from the analysis of this tragic occurrence. The entire region mourns the loss, and the impact of this accident will resonate well beyond immediate family and friends as the community comes to terms with what has transpired.
