Fatal Small-Plane Crash Near Deer Lake, N.L. Leaves One Dead, Investigation Underway

At least one person has died following the crash of a small aircraft near Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, on Saturday, July 26. The crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. NT, just minutes after the plane took off from Deer Lake Regional Airport.

Crash Site and Immediate Response

According to authorities, the Piper PA-31 Navajo, a twin-engine aircraft registered to B.C.-based Kisik Geospatial and Aerial Survey, went down roughly one kilometre south of the airport. Witnesses reported seeing smoke trailing from the right side of the aircraft before it crashed in a ditch along the Trans-Canada Highway near the Airport Road intersection. A large fire broke out on impact.

Dean Major, a nearby contractor, saw the plane go down and rushed to the scene. He described the aftermath as “a ball of fire,” adding that the plane was reduced to a “skeleton” by the time first responders arrived.

One Confirmed Fatality, Others Unclear

While officials have not disclosed the number of people on board, Kisik’s owner, Andrew Naysmith, confirmed the crash was fatal. In a statement, he said, “We are devastated and heartbroken by this loss. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the deceased and their loved ones.”

No identities have been released. Naysmith noted that names would only be shared by the appropriate authorities.

Transportation Safety Board Investigation

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) launched an investigation and dispatched a team to the site Saturday evening. RCMP and local emergency crews secured the area and temporarily closed the Trans-Canada Highway in both directions.

The aircraft, which can carry seven to ten passengers, had just departed Deer Lake Regional Airport when it crashed. According to airport CEO Tammy Priddle, the emergency response team responded immediately, but the airport continued operating without any immediate disruption to flights.

A Rare Incident in Deer Lake

Deer Lake Mayor Mike Goosney expressed shock, saying incidents like this are almost unheard of in the area. “It’s not every day — it’s never — that you hear of a plane crash,” he said. Despite the rarity, emergency crews were trained and prepared for such an event.

This marks the second fatal small-plane crash in western Newfoundland in less than a year. In August 2024, a Cessna aircraft involved in survey work for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans crashed near Corner Brook, resulting in one death and several injuries.

As the investigation continues, officials are urging the public to avoid speculation and give space to grieving families.

What safety measures do you think small aircraft companies should take more seriously? Share your thoughts below.

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/deer-lake-small-plane-crash-1.7594876
• https://vocm.com/2025/07/27/plane-crash-deer-lake
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/at-least-one-person-dead-in-western-newfoundland-plane-crash