in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
January 24, 2021
The single-engine plane sits nose-down in the snowy surface of Eugenia Lake. Inset: the plane takes off in better days, at Brampton Flying Club. Photo: Gusair.com
BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — A peaceful Sunday in Eugenia was interrupted by the unexpected noise of a small single-engine plane, landing hard and breaking the surface of the ice-covered lake. According to an eye-witness, the pilot exited from the airplane unharmed but shaken by the experience. No other passengers were in the craft at the time of the crash.
We were walking out on the lake when he came in," said Jason, a local cottage owner who was enjoying the day with family. "We asked the kids to take a look at the plane," he continued. "We thought he was touching down and taking off and the next thing you know, we heard a pretty loud noise, he swiveled and came to rest right where you see it." After inspecting the craft, he added, "There are a couple of pieces missing, front wheel broken off and propellers are bent."
It was thought that the man originated from the Kitchener-Waterloo area, although it is not known where he began his harrowing journey earlier in the day. Presumably, out for a day-flight in the area, engine trouble forced the pilot to find a safe spot to put down his disabled craft. The open snow and ice-covered surface of Eugenia Lake provided a relatively soft space, free of trees and people but the plane broke the surface of the ice and seemed to skip once, breaking the surface a second time as it came to rest nose-down in the lake.
Fire-rescue and ambulance arrived on scene as well as OPP, shortly after the plane made it's forceful landing. OPP officers were taking a statement from the lucky survivor as South Grey News arrived.
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