Two licensed pilots renting a flight school aircraft died early Friday morning, September 18, when their Cessna 172 crashed near Kisbey, Saskatchewan. The night cross-country flight, registered to Harv’s Air and traveling from Regina to Steinbach, Manitoba, was located by search and rescue crews late Friday evening.
Overdue Flight Triggers Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Search
The aircraft, a Cessna 172 registered to the St. Andrews, Manitoba-based flight school Harv’s Air, departed Regina on a night cross-country journey heading toward Steinbach, Manitoba, via Carlyle, Saskatchewan. When the plane failed to arrive on schedule, it was reported overdue to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) at approximately 10:30 a.m. CDT on Friday, September 18, according to Sophie Wistaff, a spokesperson with the TSB.
Lieutenant Zoë Hollander, a public affairs officer for the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRC) in Trenton, stated that the JRCC led and coordinated the response to the missing aircraft. A CC 138 Hercules from 435 squadron successfully located the crash site, and then inserted search and rescue technicians by parachute.
Witnesses Spot Search Operations in Southeast Saskatchewan
Ground witnesses in southeast Saskatchewan observed the military search and rescue operation unfold as darkness approached on Friday evening. Chenoa McArthur, a local resident, described seeing the rescue personnel descend into the area.
I’m looking out the vehicle and I’m trying to drive safely. And then, I pull over, I pull out my binoculars and he’s got the tail. He’s got it open. And then I see two guys — two orange things — jump out. And they’re coming down like this. I’m like, ‘Those are parachutes.
Chenoa McArthur, Area Witness, via Global News
McArthur also reported watching the orange smoke, like the orange smoke starts to build at the top of the hills, signaling that search teams had successfully zeroed in on the downed aircraft.
Harv’s Air Confirms Fatalities of Two Licensed Pilots
Adam Penner, president of Harv’s Air, confirmed in an email statement that both occupants of the aircraft were found deceased when search and rescue teams reached the site at approximately 6 p.m. CDT on Friday. Penner noted that both people in the plane were licensed pilots who rented the plane to gain time toward their commercial pilot licences.
The entire Harv’s Air family is shocked and saddened by this tragedy. Both pilots had close ties to their fellow students and instructors. We extend our deepest condolences to family and friends.
Adam Penner, President of Harv’s Air, via CBC
Following the completion of the rescue phase, the JRCC transferred the investigation to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
TSB Investigators Deploy to Southeastern Crash Site
The Transportation Safety Board deployed a team of investigators to the remote site in southeast Saskatchewan on Saturday, September 19. TSB investigators are expected to arrive on site around midday today to gather information and assess the occurrence, according to Wistaff.
Penner stated that Harv’s Air is working closely with the Transportation Safety Board, Transport Canada, and the RCMP to determine the cause of the crash. Public records indicate this incident marks the third incident involving the Manitoba-based flight school since January 2025, following a propeller strike injury in January 2025 and a fatal mid-air collision between two student pilots in July 2025.