Pilot dies in plane crash near Saint-Georges during Remembrance Day ceremony
A pilot died after a small plane involved in a Remembrance Day ceremony crashed Wednesday in a wooded area near the Saint-Georges airport in Quebec's Beauce region, about 100 kilometres south of Quebec City.
The Sûreté du Québec says the pilot was a man in his 60s and was alone in the plane. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash happened around 11 a.m. Wednesday, according to the town of Saint-Georges. The municipality says the crash appears to have happened while the pilot was preparing to land, and the plane reportedly caught fire upon impact.
Mayor Manon Bougie said a formation of six aircraft was performing the Missing Man formation as part of the ceremony when one of the pilots crashed. She said the planes had flown over the town's Remembrance Day ceremony at Place des vétérans and were heading back to the airport when the crash happened.
"What has just happened is truly sad and terrible," said Saint-Georges Mayor Manon Bougie in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy. All our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time."
A witness told Noovo Info the plane apparently broke away from the group of other aircraft flying as part of the ceremony. Another witness saw the plane nosedive. Black smoke was seen rising into the sky.
The Sûreté du Québec is investigating. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has sent a team of investigators to the scene.
Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said he is closely monitoring the situation with Domestic Security Minister Guy Jr. Lapointe.
"I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones," the premier said in a post on X.
Quebec Liberal leader Charles Milliard also reacted to the tragedy.
"My deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the pilot who tragically lost his life in the crash of this aircraft in Saint-Georges-de-Beauce while taking part in Remembrance Day celebrations," he wrote on X. "My thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy."
