An investigation continues following the fatal crash of a light plane in a field near Arthur on Tuesday evening.
Wellington County OPP and Centre Wellington Fire Services responded to the crash off Wellington Road 16 south of 20 Sideroad around 6 p.m.
The 46-year-old pilot, Stephen Derek Mackie of Puslinch Township, was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no passengers.
A post-mortem is planned at Hamilton General Hospital for Tuesday.
Stan Martin, president of the York Soaring Association in Belwood, tells CTV News the pilot was not a member there, but was using the airfield.
And he was headed back to the gliding club when the crash happened.
Mackie was reportedly an experienced pilot and was competing at the Canadian Nationals Soaring Championship at York Soaring when the crash occurred.
His profile on the Soaring Association of Canada website indicates he’s competed in a number of races.
Martin says the conditions were good at the time of the crash and he’s “completely mystified” as to why this happened, especially since Mackie is one of the most experienced pilots around.
Witnesses told investigators they saw the glider circling well above the ground when it suddenly plummeted.
Transport Canada is now investigating to determine the cause of the crash.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 519-846-5930.
