Occurrence
A privately registered Piper PA-28-180 aircraft was departing from Canton Aerodrome, Ontario, on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight to Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport, Ontario. The aircraft carried one pilot and one passenger.
At approximately 20:15, the aircraft began its takeoff roll on runway 14. Shortly after liftoff, the left wing struck a tree. The aircraft veered to the left and subsequently impacted additional trees before crashing in a soybean field.
Emergency Response
The emergency locator transmitter (ELT) activated upon impact, and its signal was received by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, Ontario. Emergency services attended the scene. Both occupants were found fatally injured.
Investigation
This occurrence is classified as a Class 4 investigation by the transportation safety board. Class 4 investigations are limited in scope and, while final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not include findings or recommendations. These investigations are typically completed within 220 days.