Pilot dies in small plane crash near Saint-Georges, Quebec, on Remembrance Day

QUEBEC — Remembrance Day ceremonies in Quebec turned to tragedy when a small plane linked to a flypast marking the occasion crashed, killing its pilot near Saint-Georges, in the Beauce region south of Quebec City.

The crash happened Wednesday morning, during events held across Canada each year to honour military personnel who died in wars and conflicts. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) said one person was aboard the aircraft, and later announced that the person had died of their injuries.

Where did the plane crash in Quebec?

Emergency crews received a call at about 11 a.m. about a small plane going down near the local Saint-Georges airport. The response centred on 10th Street and 30th Avenue, not far from Sit Shot Park, where firefighters, paramedics and police went to the scene.

Local media reported that the plane came down in a wooded area behind a house near the airport, and that smoke was seen rising from the site. Rescue crews worked to bring the fire under control and secure the area, while authorities began gathering preliminary information to establish the sequence of events.

Pilot dies after being taken to hospital

The SQ said only one person was inside the plane. The person was seriously injured and taken to hospital, and their death was confirmed later.

In an update published by radio station FM93, police said they confirmed the death at about 12:50 p.m. Authorities had not released the pilot's identity or age by that time, and no official information was available on any injuries on the ground.

Preliminary reports indicate the plane was part of a group taking part in a flight tied to the Remembrance Day ceremonies, but authorities have not yet given a complete account of the moments before it went down.

Quebec premier offers condolences to victim's family

Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said he was following developments and offered his condolences to the pilot's family and relatives after the death was confirmed.

In a post on X, he said he had been in touch with the province's public security minister, Guy Lapointe Jr., to obtain more information and find out whether the government could provide any necessary help.

Saint-Georges Mayor Manon Bougie described the crash as a painful tragedy that occurred on a day set aside to remember those who lost their lives. She said the plane took off from the city's airport and was flying in a formation with other aircraft before it went down near the airport.

Investigation into cause of the crash

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada was notified of the crash and sent a team of investigators to the area to examine the circumstances. The board conducts technical investigations of aviation accidents to identify contributing factors and make recommendations to improve safety.

It has not yet been announced whether the crash was caused by a mechanical failure, a problem during flight or weather conditions. The model of the aircraft has also not been officially confirmed, although local information has circulated about the types of aircraft taking part in the flypast.

Local reports said the crash does not appear to have resulted from a collision between two aircraft, but determining the final cause requires a review of the available evidence and the technical findings of the investigation.

Tragedy on a day of remembrance

Canadians mark Remembrance Day on November 11 each year, with ceremonies of silence, the laying of wreaths and symbolic flypasts in various regions.

The Royal Canadian Air Force had announced in advance that commemorative flypasts would be held in several cities, including Quebec City. However, there has been no confirmation that the aircraft that crashed belonged to the Royal Canadian Air Force or was part of its official program.

As the occasion in Saint-Georges turned into a day of mourning, the pilot's family and the local community are awaiting the results of the investigation to learn what happened. The only confirmed toll is one death, and there has been no official announcement so far on the cause of the crash.