The investigation into why a small plane from the Edenvale Aerodrome crashed, killing its pilot, continues, say officials with the federal Transportation Safety Board.

Chris Krepski, a spokesperson for the board, said officials have determined the plane's flight controls were intact and that the engine was operable.

"Our next step is to see what data we can get from the instruments aboard the craft," Krepski said from the board's office in Gatineau, Que.

When that exercise will be conducted and the information made public Krepski didn't know.
Lachlan MacLean, 47, of Anten Mills, piloted the red and white Highcraft Buccaneer SX ultra light aircraft.

Authorities said MacLean left the Edenvale Aerodrome, just east of Sunnidale Corners on Highway 26, on Sunday, Sept. 21, around 11:30 a.m.

The Ontario Provincial Police said MacLean intended to fly to Beausoliel Island on Georgian Bay and then return to the Edenvale Aerodrome.

He was supposed to finish the trip by 2 p.m., police said.

But something went wrong.

Officials at the aerodrome reported MacLean missing at 3:30 p.m.

Searchers, including a plane from CFB Trenton, east of Toronto, scoured the southern Georgian Bay area looking for the man and the plane.

The crew from CFB Trenton spotted the downed craft around noon on Monday, Sept. 22, near the mouth of the Musquash River in Georgian Bay Township. The river empties into Georgian Bay.

"We deployed two investigators to the scene and we found the plane partially submerged in seven feet of water," Krepski said.

A funeral for MacLean was held at Collier Street United Church in Barrie on Saturday, Sept. 27.

MacLean leaves behind his wife Patti and daughters, Anna and Tira.

mgennings@simcoe.com