Pilot killed as small plane's engine fails near Ottawa airport
A 1977 Grumman Cheetah crashed in trees near Rideau River after engine failure on July 31, 2025. Two passengers survived with minor injuries.
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A small plane crashed near Ottawa airport on July 31, 2025, after its engine failed during flight, killing the pilot. The Transportation Safety Board released its investigation report Friday into the crash involving a 1977 Grumman American Aviation Corporation AA-5A Cheetah.
Pilot Stéphane Tessier took off from Gatineau airport shortly after 5:30 p.m. and contacted Ottawa International Airport air traffic control at 5:45 p.m. At approximately 5:48 p.m., at an altitude of 2,621 feet and airspeed of about 186 km/h, the engine failed. The protective cover burst open, engine pieces flew out, and engine oil sprayed the windshield while the propeller continued windmilling. Tessier reported the leak to air traffic control and diverted toward Ottawa airport.
As Tessier descended over built-up areas and the Central Experimental Farm, he reported the engine was about to fail when the aircraft was 679 feet above ground. The plane crashed into trees near Rideau River, approximately one kilometre short of the runway, just before 6 p.m. Two passengers suffered minor injuries. Tessier was killed.
The TSB determined the probable cause was complete engine failure from failure of the No. 3 connecting rod, which fractured the camshaft. The root cause was traced to misapplied sealant in engine parts, causing under-torqued bolts and unintended movement between engine parts. Federal investigators had called for two missing engine parts—the crankcase casting and camshaft—in August 2024.
The facts
What plane crashed near Ottawa on July 31, 2025?
A 1977 Grumman American Aviation Corporation AA-5A Cheetah crashed near Ottawa airport after its engine failed during flight.
Who was the pilot?
Stéphane Tessier was the pilot. He took off from Gatineau airport shortly after 5:30 p.m. and was killed in the crash.
How many passengers were on board?
Two passengers were on board the Grumman Cheetah. Both suffered minor injuries in the crash.
What caused the engine to fail?
The Transportation Safety Board determined that complete engine failure resulted from failure of the No. 3 connecting rod, which fractured the camshaft. The root cause was misapplied sealant in engine parts, causing under-torqued bolts and unintended movement between engine components.
