Indian killed in survey aircraft crash in Canada’s Newfoundland

An Indian national was killed in an air mishap involving a commercial survey aircraft in Newfoundland, Canada, the Consulate General of India in Toronto said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to local media reports, a small plane crashed near the Deer Lake airport in Newfoundland on the evening of July 26. The Indian Consulate confirmed that Gautam Santhosh, an Indian national, was among the deceased.

The Consulate expressed condolences and assured full support to the victim’s family. Taking to X, the Consulate General wrote, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. The Consulate is in close contact with the bereaved family and local authorities in Canada to provide all necessary assistance and support.”

Santhosh, originally from Kerala, was employed by Kisik Aerial Survey Inc., a company headquartered in Delta, British Columbia, which operated the Piper PA-31 Navajo aircraft involved in the crash.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that two people were onboard the aircraft and both were declared dead at the scene.

Following the incident, Andrew Naysmith, owner of Kisik Geospatial and Aerial Survey, said, “We are devastated and heartbroken by this loss.”

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the deceased and their loved ones,” he added.

The aircraft involved in the crash was reportedly a Piper Navajo twin-engine plane, which can carry up to eight passengers.

Naysmith declined to release the names of the deceased immediately, stating that such information would be provided by the relevant authorities.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has launched an investigation into the crash. Naysmith also stated that the company will “provide support in any and every way possible.”