Third victim in French River plane crash identified as Vilma Gumpal, 42
Officials ID 3rd victim killed in plane crash south of Sudbury last week
More details are being released about a fatal plane crash last week in French River Provincial Park, south of Sudbury, including the name of the third victim, 42-year-old Vilma Gumpal.
The Transportation Safety Board said the wreckage was found in pieces, telling investigators that the aircraft never made an emergency landing.
The TSB said the plane was on course when it signalled its return to Sudbury last Tuesday.
The aircraft was scheduled to fly to North Carolina, but it reported engine problems less than an hour into the air.
TSB investigator Don Enns said the plane fell apart before hitting the ground.
“Whatever was going on, it wasn’t an attempted landing,” he said.
“The airplane has had a significant amount of energy, which would not be in a landing occurrence.”
Enns said the left wing of the aircraft was found intact, and the right wing was found in three pieces.
He added the majority of the wreckage was found away from the wings, significantly burned.
No data recorder was found, although the emergency locator transmitter was, which sent out a brief signal.
The TSB is continuing to investigate, and Enns said whatever happened, it’s clear the plane was overtaxed.
Three people died in the crash: Leo Arseneau, 64; his wife, Mary-Lou Aresenau, 65; and Vilma Gumpal, 42. All three were from Sudbury. Officials released Gumpal's name on Thursday, following autopsy results.
The wreckage will be brought to the TSB office for investigators to examine and determine the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.