Small plane experienced engine failure before fatal Ottawa crash, investigation finds

OTTAWA – The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says a small airplane experienced engine failure before it crashed near the Ottawa International Airport last year, killing the pilot and injuring two passengers.

The board’s report says various pieces detached from the engine and oil sprayed across the windshield of the privately registered Grumman AA-5A at 5:45 p.m. on July 31, 2025, causing the pilot to divert to the international airport and start descending.

The report says the pilot’s continued manipulation of the engine controls and the fact that he didn’t make a radio call until 5:51 p.m. “indicate that he likely believed he was dealing with a partial malfunction.”

However, the board says that based on its examination of the engine after the crash, it is “highly probable” that the aircraft experienced a complete engine failure.

It says that given the time and altitude of the engine failure, the plane “would not have been able to reach any runway … even with immediate action.”

The plane collided with trees about 960 metres short of the runway. The pilot died at the scene, while a man and woman were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries not considered life-threatening.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2026.