Air transportation safety investigation A25A0042

Table of contents

    Collision with terrain
    Kîsik Aerial Survey Inc.
    Piper Aircraft Corporation PA-31, C-GYYP
    Deer Lake Airport (CYDF), Newfoundland and Labrador 

    The occurrence

    On 26 July 2025, a Piper PA-31 aircraft operated by Kîsik Aerial Survey Inc. departed Deer Lake Airport, Newfoundland and Labrador, on a survey flight with two occupants on board. 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. After performing the flyby, the aircraft was observed banking to the left, descending, and subsequently colliding with terrain near the Trans-Canada Highway.

    A post-impact fire ensued. Both occupants were fatally injured. The TSB is investigating.

    Media materials

    Deployment notice

    TSB is deploying a team of investigators following a small aircraft accident at the Deer Lake Regional Airport, Newfoundland and Labrador

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.