OPP say a couple from Tillsonburg have been identified as those who died in a small plane crash in Seguin Township a week ago.
Motorists on Highway 400 contacted police around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, to report a small plane going down.
Emergency crews responded to the scene and found the downed plane and the bodies of 59-year-old Phillip and 55-year-old Jane Esseltine.
OPP say the two-seat Cessna aircraft took off from Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport, but crashed just moments later in a bush area and caught fire.
The Transportation Safety Board is investigating. The plane was reportedly headed for Tillsonburg when it crashed.
Investigator Don Enns said, “The initial part of the flight path to the ground is extremely steep, which would indicate a loss of control of the airplane.”
Another possible factor being considered is visibility. So far, investigators say there is no sign of mechanical failure.
The Esseltines are being remembered by family and friends and as "pillars of the community," having been involved in numberous volunteer activities.
With files from CTV Barrie
