A 16-year-old boy was killed when a small float plane crashed onto a dock at Lake Scugog, northeast of Toronto. Investigation by TSB and police underway.
Tragic Incident at Lake Scugog Claims Teen’s Life
A 16-year-old boy standing on a dock at Lake Scugog, northeast of Toronto, was fatally struck by a small float plane that crashed shortly after noon on Friday, July 18. Durham Regional Police confirmed the incident occurred near Williams Point, close to the community of Caesarea, north of Oshawa.
Details of the Crash Emerge
According to Insp. Gill Lock of the Durham Regional Police, the aircraft — an Ultravia Pelican Sport 600, an amateur-built float plane — struck the dock at approximately 12:30 p.m. Emergency crews responded immediately. The pilot and a passenger aboard the plane sustained only minor injuries. The pilot was transported to a local hospital, while the passenger was treated at the scene.
Investigation in Progress
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has joined the investigation. TSB senior regional investigator Peter Rowntree said their focus is on identifying the cause and preventing similar incidents. The board has begun examining the aircraft’s wreckage, which landed upside down on a dock and boat, as well as collecting witness statements and flight data.
Community Shaken by Sudden Loss
Police are withholding the identity of the victim out of respect for the family’s privacy. Residents in the lakeside community expressed shock and grief as the crash unfolded in an otherwise quiet recreational area.
Safety Factors and Early Findings
Rowntree noted that amphibious aircraft can be challenging to land, especially on water. He emphasized that the TSB’s role is not to assign blame but to improve future aviation safety. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor, and the pilot is cooperating with authorities.
Next Steps
The float plane is expected to be removed from the crash site by Saturday. Investigators will continue reviewing maintenance records, weather conditions, and the flight path, including the aircraft’s departure and intended landing locations.
Durham police urge any witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues into what led to this fatal crash in one of Ontario’s tranquil cottage regions.
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