Occurrence
On 26 July 2025, a Piper PA-31 aircraft operated by Kîsik Aerial Survey Inc. departed from Deer Lake Airport, Newfoundland and Labrador, to conduct a survey flight. The aircraft carried two occupants. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot contacted the airport and requested that a flight service specialist observe whether the landing gear door was open during a low pass over the airport. Following the flyby, witnesses observed the aircraft banking to the left, descending, and then colliding with terrain near the Trans-Canada Highway. A post-impact fire ensued. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) initiated an investigation into the occurrence.
Investigation
The TSB designated this investigation as Class 4, which indicates a limited scope. These investigations are generally completed within 220 days and do not include findings or recommendations. As part of the investigation, the engine and various components were sent to the TSB Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa, Ontario, for teardown and inspection. During the inspection, the left engine crankshaft was observed to have failed. Further material analysis is required to determine the cause of the crankshaft failure. The investigation is ongoing, and the TSB will provide updates as new information becomes available.