Pilot killed in plane crash during Remembrance Day ceremony in Quebec

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 12, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC News

A Remembrance Day commemoration in Saint-Georges, Quebec, ended in tragedy after one of the aircraft taking part in a ceremonial flyover crashed near the local airport, killing its pilot.

The crash happened at around 11 a.m. Wednesday in a wooded area near the airport, about 100 kilometres south of Quebec City.

Quebec provincial police said the victim was a man in his 60s who was the only person aboard the aircraft. Local reports identified him as 68-year-old Daniel Parent, a member of the Club Aéronautique de Beauce flying club.

Saint-Georges Mayor Manon Bougie said six aircraft were performing a Missing Man formation during the city’s Remembrance Day ceremony when one of the planes went down.

The aircraft reportedly crashed while approaching the airport for landing and caught fire. Emergency responders arrived within minutes but were unable to save the pilot.

A resident living near the crash site said he heard a loud metallic noise before seeing flames in the wooded area. He attempted to help using fire extinguishers but said the blaze was too large.

The tragedy prompted an outpouring of condolences from Quebec and federal officials, as the community mourned the loss of a local pilot on a day dedicated to remembering those who served in the military.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is sending investigators to examine the wreckage and determine what caused the crash. Authorities have not yet established the circumstances behind the incident.