Tragic Aircraft Incident Claims Two Lives Near Vermilion

No photo of the crash will be released in respect of those who lost their lives. Vermilion Voice Newspaper

A tragic aircraft crash claimed the lives of two individuals near Vermilion, Alberta on Saturday, June 21. Emergency services were alerted at approximately 12:24 p.m., and the wreckage was discovered about 1.2 kilometres short of the local airport’s runway.

The victims have been identified as a 46-year-old female pilot and 76-year-old passenger Sid Hinton, a resident of Mannville. Local RCMP, Vermilion Fire and Rescue, and paramedics responded swiftly to the crash site.

In a statement released on Sunday, June 22, Vermilion Deputy Mayor Joshua Rayment addressed the community, expressing condolences on behalf of the Town of Vermilion and its council. “As many residents may already be aware, yesterday afternoon a small plane crashed North of Vermilion claiming the lives of two (2) people. On behalf of the Town of Vermilion, Council, and our entire community, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by yesterday’s tragic accident near our local airport. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this incredibly difficult time, and we want them to know that our community stands with them in their grief.” He also offered gratitude to the emergency responders for their swift and coordinated efforts.

In light of the tragedy, Alberta Air Tours cancelled a scheduled Fly-In Tour event that was to take place the following day. The organizer issued a statement expressing sorrow over the accident and confirming the cancellation out of respect for the victims and their families.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has initiated an investigation into the incident. TSB spokesperson Nic Defalco stated that it was too early to determine whether the aircraft was landing or taking off at the time of the crash. While further details remain unavailable, Defalco confirmed that two investigators were deployed to the scene for data collection. The aircraft involved was a privately registered Shinn Aircraft Engineering (Varga) model 2150A, registration C-GFHZ. It was operating on a local flight out of Vermilion with only the pilot and one passenger onboard. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries and a post-impact fire occurred.

The aircraft is currently being transported to the TSB’s facility in Edmonton for further examination. As with all TSB investigations, the process will unfold in several stages. The first stage, known as the Field Phase, involves site examination, documentation review, interviews with witnesses, and the collection of wreckage for more detailed analysis. The next phase, Examination and Analysis, focuses on a deeper investigation of all evidence, including data review, simulations, and possible laboratory testing. The final stage is the Report Phase, where findings are compiled into a final report made public upon completion and Board approval.

Though the classification of this occurrence has not yet been finalized, fatal accidents such as this typically fall under higher classes of investigation due to the severity, public interest, and potential to uncover safety lessons. The TSB has outlined that the value of any investigation is measured not only in uncovering causes but in enhancing safety by preventing similar future events.

As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge, offering insight into what led to this devastating event. In the meantime, the families of the deceased, and the community they leave behind, are left to grieve the sudden and tragic loss.