Float plane crash near Puslinch Lake claims life of Guelph man

by Patrick Raftis

PUSLINCH TWP.

Police and Transportation Safety Board officials continued this week to investigate a fatal plane crash that claimed the life of a Guelph man here on Oct. 25.

Police say Russell Hawkins, 47, of Guelph, died after the plane he was piloting crashed into heavy bush on the southeast corner of Puslinch Lake.

Wellington County OPP officers received several calls at around 2:26pm regarding a plane crash near a residence on Concession 1 and Townline Road, in Puslinch Township. Firefighters from Cambridge and Puslinch Fire Departments responded as well as Cambridge EMS.

Officers found a float plane had crashed into some trees and a hydro line close to the lake and a residence. There were two male occupants on board the aircraft at the time of the impact. Hawkins succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the other male was transported to Cambridge Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Transportation Safety Board officials identified the plane as a Cessna 172 float plane and said the accident occurred while the plane was taking off. Witnesses have stated the plane had been practicing takeoffs and landings throughout the afternoon.

A Transportation Safety Board official told the Wellington Advertiser the board does not identify people involved in incidents and will not be releasing further information on the identity or condition of the passenger. However, officials confirmed on Oct. 26 they had interviewed the survivor.

Investigators from the Transportation Safety Board and the Ministry of Environment, as well as the county coroner’s office, are all involved in the investigation. Members of the Wellington County OPP Crime Unit, Traffic Management Unit and West Region OPP Technical Identification Services Unit also assisted. Hydro One and Bell crews were also at the scene, due to downed wires.  

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to police to call Constable Sturgeon at the Wellington County OPP’s Rockwood operation centre at 519-856-1506 or the Wellington County Crime Unit at 519-846-5930.

Funeral services for Hawkins, who was married with one son, were held in Guelph on Oct. 31.

November 2, 2012