What happened
On 26 July 2025, a Piper PA-31 operated by Kîsik Aerial Survey Inc. departed from Deer Lake Airport, Newfoundland and Labrador, for a scheduled survey mission. The aircraft was carrying two occupants at the time of the flight. Shortly after the departure, the pilot contacted a flight service specialist at the airport to request assistance in monitoring the aircraft's landing gear. Specifically, the pilot asked the specialist to observe if the landing gear door remained open during a low-altitude flyby.
Following the completion of this low pass, the aircraft was seen banking to the left and descending into the ground near the Trans-Canada Highway. The impact was followed by a post-crash fire. The accident resulted in two fatalities.
The investigation
As part of the ongoing investigation, the engine and several related components were transported to the TSB Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa, Ontario, for a detailed teardown and inspection. During this technical examination, investigators identified that the left engine crankshaft had failed. Further material analysis is being conducted to understand the underlying reason for this mechanical failure.