Seven dead after fatal plane crash in west end
Kingston Police have confirmed that seven people have died as the result of the plane crash in Kingston’s west end.
The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019 at a field between Highway 401 and Creekford Road. The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada took over the investigation later that night, and has been on scene investigating all day on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, in cooperation with Kingston Police.
According to the TSB, the Piper PA-32 registered in the United States was flying from the Toronto/Buttonville Municipal Airport in Markham to the Norman Rogers Airport in Kingston.
As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, the TSB has provided the following progress report with regard to their investigation:
An investigation team was deployed to the accident site. Investigators will be:
- collecting data;
- examining, taking photographs, and surveying the accident site and wreckage;
- surveying the cockpit and obtaining technical, operational and maintenance documents;
- recovering electronic instruments and devices that contain non-volatile memory;
- examining the aircraft engine;
- conducting a partial examination of the cabin and seating arrangements;
- conducting interviews with first responders, airport employees, and any other witnesses in addition to obtaining copies of statements.
The aircraft was found by a Royal Canadian Air Force CH-146 Griffon helicopter crew from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton. The Search and Rescue helicopter used data provided by the on-board 406-MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT) to find the aircraft.
The TSB said the following are the next steps in the coming days and weeks in their investigation:
- examine data from electronic devices that may be found in the aircraft to help determine the sequence of events prior to the accident;
- gather and analyze weather information to understand to what extent weather was a factor;
- examine aircraft maintenance records, pilot training, qualifications and proficiency records;
- conduct follow-up interviews;
- review operational policies, procedures and regulatory requirements;
- Examine previous occurrences involving this type of aircraft and subsequent safety action taken in Canada, the United States and other jurisdictions.
“Investigations are complex and we take the time needed to complete a thorough investigation. However, should the investigation team uncover safety deficiencies that present an immediate risk, the Board will communicate them without delay,” TSB said in the investigation update just before 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019.
According to undisclosed sources on the scene, the seven deceased passengers included at least two children.
Kingstonist will continue to monitor this incident and provide updates as more information becomes available.
For our earlier coverage of the crash and the initial emergency response, click here.