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Weather a factor in fatal 2021 crash of plane towing marriage banner in Montreal: TSB

Jan 25, 2023 | 10:20 AM

MONTREAL — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says weather and engine trouble contributed to the fatal crash of a small plane near Old Montreal in 2021 that was towing a marriage proposal banner.

The lone passenger died and the pilot was badly hurt when a Cessna 172M pulling a banner reading “will you marry me” crashed near the Concorde Bridge of Montreal’s Île Ste-Hélène on Oct. 2, 2021.

The TSB report released today says it appears the plane lost engine power somewhere over the St. Lawrence River and was forced to attempt an emergency landing.

It says the plane’s wing hit some trees, sending the aircraft into a cartwheel before it crashed and burst into flames.