Fatal Occurrence 2011O1414
Pilot dead after plane flips on lake
By Jason Bain, QMI Agency BEXLEY TOWNSHIP, Ont. - Frantic efforts of citizens couldn't save the pilot of a float plane when the aircraft flipped over in Balsam Lake's West Bay during a severe storm Wednesday.
A strong gust of wind flipped the plane upside down, a West Bay resident told police at the command post where emergency crews gathered on the waterfront.
The accident took place as a severe mid-afternoon storm swept through the northern City of Kawartha Lakes, Ont., pummeling the Coboconk. Ont., area. Environment Canada officials are investigating the possibility of one or more tornados.
Several concerned citizens rushed out in the storm onto the lake in various watercraft to the submerged plane, left with only its pontoons visible above the water about a kilometre from shore.
Some men dove into the water to save the man but were forced to call off their rescue efforts.
It is unknown if the pilot was attempting a take-off at the time. There is a small water airport at the south end of the lake.The coroner, OPP underwater search and recovery Unit and joint rescue co-ordination centre from Trenton, Ont., were called to the scene. The man's body was brought to the shore by about 6:30 p.m.
Police were called by cottagers on the lake, City of Kawartha Lakes OPP operations manager Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Entwistle said at the scene. She confirmed there was one person in the plane.
