Occurrence
On a local visual flight rules (VFR) flight, a Cessna 172RG registered to the Brantford Flying Club departed runway 29 at the Brantford Airport, Ontario. The aircraft was rented by a licensed private pilot who was the sole occupant. After a brief flight to the west, the pilot returned and entered the circuit for runway 29. During final approach, the left wing of the aircraft struck a tree. The aircraft yawed significantly to the left and entered a spin before crashing in an adjacent field. The pilot was fatally injured. There was no post-crash fire, and the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) had been activated.
Investigation
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) conducted a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and the final report may contain limited analysis but does not include findings or recommendations. The investigation was completed within 220 days.