The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) released its investigation report on October 23 into the crash of a Grumman AA-5A airplane near Ottawa’s international airport (CYOW) on July 31, 2025, that led to the death of pilot Stéphane Tessier and minor injuries to two of his passengers.
The Lycoming O-320 engine of the AA-5A, also known as a Grumman Cheetah, failed while the aircraft was in CYOW’s airspace after earlier receiving a transit clearance from ATC. Engine oil sprayed onto the windshield after the plane’s right cowling burst open and engine parts exited.
The pilot notified the tower about the engine issue. He initially continued toward the planned destination of the Ottawa/Rockcliffe airport (CYRO). However, a minute later the pilot notified CYOW’s tower that he elected to divert to their airport and received clearance to do so.
Unfortunately, the aircraft stalled and descended into trees approximately 3,150 feet short of the threshold of Runway 14, the one ATC had cleared him to.
The TSB cited issues with the application of Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) to the engine in its report. The full report can be read by clicking here.
Title image credit: Image credit: Google Earth with TSB annotations.
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