Small aircraft crashes into a Wellington County corn field, sparking a fire and prompting a Transport Canada investigation into the incident north of Fergus.
A small aircraft crashed into a corn field north of Fergus on Friday morning, sparking a fire and prompting a major emergency response in rural Wellington County. Witnesses reported hearing unusual noises from the aircraft before the collision, while police and aviation authorities continue to investigate the incident.
Wellington County OPP say emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 10:15 a.m. on October 9 following reports of a single-aircraft collision near the intersection of Beatty Line and Wellington Road 17, just north of Fergus. According to police, a small general aviation aircraft crashed into a corn field and caught fire after impact.
The extent of injuries had not been released by authorities at the time of publication. Police have not confirmed how many people were aboard the aircraft, and officials have not provided additional information on the condition of the occupants.
The incident occurred in a rural area surrounded by agricultural land, where emergency personnel from police, fire and paramedic services quickly secured the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a small aircraft descend into a field before a fire broke out following the collision.
Investigators remained on site throughout the day as authorities began the process of determining what led to the crash. Wellington County OPP confirmed that Transport Canada has been notified and that the incident remains under investigation.
Police are asking motorists to avoid the area while emergency crews and investigators continue their work. Road access around the crash site may be affected as officials gather evidence and assess the scene.
Beyond the aviation investigation, the incident may also have implications for the affected farm operation. The aircraft reportedly came down in a corn field and caught fire following impact. Officials have not disclosed how much of the crop was damaged, but any fire or debris within a standing crop can result in localized production losses and require additional clean-up before harvest activities can resume. Authorities have not released further details.
For Wellington County residents and the agricultural community surrounding Fergus, the incident created a significant emergency response in an active farming area during the fall harvest season. As investigators continue examining the crash site, local producers will be watching for information regarding both the aviation investigation and any confirmed impacts on the affected corn crop. On Thanksgiving weekend, the farmer will likely be relieved that damage to the field was limited.
Authorities have since confirmed that two experienced pilots were on board the amateur-built Skybolt biplane when it went down on Friday. Steve Zago, Co-founder and co-owner of Lost Aviator Coffee Co., experienced airline pilot, and member of the Waterloo Warbirds, passed away. The identity of the 2nd pilot has not been confirmed.
Transport Safety Board (TSB) is investigating.
Updated: Monday, October 12, 2026.
Photo Credit: OPP