Smoke could be seen rising from the crash site of two planes near Steinbach on July 8, 2025. CTV
On July 8, 2025, two small planes collided near Steinbach, Manitoba. The crash happened in the Rural Municipality of Hanover around 8:45 a.m. Emergency teams arrived quickly after receiving calls about the accident.
Witness Describes the Crash
Nathaniel Plett was having coffee with his wife when he heard unusual sounds. “We heard a noise, sounded like an airplane revving its engine, and then the propeller suddenly stopping, like a couple of thuds,” he said.
He added, “Then we heard a bang and obviously they hit the ground.”
Mr. Plett called 911 after hearing multiple reports about the crash. When he went outside, he saw one of the planes burning. “The wheels had broken off, the wings were intact, the cockpit was there, but it was burning and plowed into the ground,” he explained.
Details on the Planes and Crash
Officials confirmed the planes involved were a Cessna 152 and a Cessna 172. Both are small, single-engine aircraft commonly used for pilot training.
The crash happened while the two student pilots were practicing takeoffs and landings, a common training activity.
Tragic Outcome
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said both pilots died at the scene. There were no passengers on board either plane. Authorities have not released the names of the victims yet.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Local RCMP officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services responded quickly to the crash site. They worked to secure the area and handle the situation.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has been informed and is now investigating the cause of the crash. The board will look into what happened and why, aiming to prevent future accidents.
Community Reacts
The crash shocked residents of Steinbach and nearby areas. The loss of two young pilots is a sad moment for the community. Neighbors and witnesses like Nathaniel Plett shared their experiences to help understand what happened.
