An Indian national, Gautam Santhosh, was killed Saturday evening when a small commercial survey aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Deer Lake, Newfoundland, the Consulate General of India in Toronto confirmed.The Piper PA-31 Navajo aircraft, registered to Kisik Aerial Survey Inc., went down about one kilometre south of the Deer Lake Regional Airport during a local flight, reported PTI citing CBC News.According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the aircraft carried two people, a 54-year-old pilot and a 27-year-old passenger. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is under investigation.“With deep sorrow, we mourn the tragic passing of Mr Gautam Santhosh, an Indian national, who lost his life in an accident involving a commercial survey aircraft near Deer Lake, Newfoundland,” the Consulate said in a post on X on Tuesday.It added that the mission is in close contact with the bereaved family and local authorities to offer all necessary assistance. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time,” it said.Following the crash, the Trans-Canada Highway near the Deer Lake Airport was closed for several hours to allow emergency services access. Kisik Aerial Survey Inc, which owned the aircraft, also expressed its condolences. “We are devastated and heartbroken by this loss,” company owner Andrew Naysmith said in a statement. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the deceased and their loved ones.”“We will not be releasing the names of anyone involved with this incident, that information will be provided by the proper authorities,” Naysmith added. “The cause of the accident is under investigation by the transport safety board of Canada and Kisik will support that investigation in any and every way possible.”
