Two people were rescued after a small plane crashed near Ottawa Airport Thursday evening. The third occupant’s condition remains unknown as rescue efforts continue.
Emergency Response to Crash Near Ottawa Airport
A small aircraft carrying three people crashed into a wooded area near Ottawa’s Riverside Drive and West Hunt Club Road on Thursday evening, just west of Ottawa International Airport. The incident occurred at approximately 5:55 p.m., triggering an urgent multi-agency response.
Photos shared by local residents showed the plane entangled in trees, with visible damage and power line disruptions.
Two People Pulled From Wreckage Alive
Emergency crews successfully rescued a man and a woman from the wreckage. Both were transported to hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Ottawa Paramedic Services.
Paramedics described the rescue as “challenging,” given the aircraft’s position in trees and power lines. Specialized equipment and coordination with Hydro Ottawa were required before extrication could begin.
Condition of Third Occupant Still Unclear
A third person remained onboard the aircraft at the time of the rescue. Their condition was not immediately confirmed. First responders have not released information regarding whether the individual has been reached or identified.
Aircraft Identified as Grumman AA-5A
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) confirmed that the aircraft involved was a privately registered Grumman AA-5A. Two TSB investigators are currently on-site to begin a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash.
No flight path or origin details have been released at this time.
Residents Describe Sudden Impact and Fuel Risk
Multiple witnesses described hearing a loud crash followed by flashing and popping from live power lines. Greg Carter, who was walking nearby, said the aircraft went down about 30 metres behind him.
“I thought it was a tree falling until I saw the plane in the air, suspended in wires,” he said. “I could see two people inside, but not the pilot’s seat.”
Another local resident, Pablo Coles, called 911 after watching the aircraft approach at low altitude and hearing a bang. “I feared it hit a house,” he said. “I saw fuel leaking and was worried about an explosion.”
Firefighters Work to Contain Fuel Spill
Ottawa Fire Services deployed foam to contain leaking aviation fuel, which was running off toward a nearby creek that flows into the Rideau River.
“Mitigation efforts are ongoing to prevent environmental damage,” said Nick DeFazio, Ottawa Fire’s public information officer.
Hydro Ottawa cut power in the area to facilitate rescue efforts, as the plane had made contact with live lines during the crash.
Airport Operations Remain Normal
Despite the crash’s proximity to Ottawa International Airport, flight operations were not impacted. The Ottawa Airport Fire Service also responded to the incident as a precaution.
Investigation Underway
The TSB has begun collecting evidence from the site. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming days. Officials have not confirmed whether the aircraft sent a distress call before going down.
Authorities continue to monitor the scene, while investigators work to determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors played a role.
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