A Quebecer dies in a plane crash in Nicaragua

A young Quebecers died in a plane crash in Nicaragua Friday.

Grant Atkinson, a young driver in his twenties was alone aboard a Piper PA-31 Navajo. The plane crashed 3 kilometers of El Tambo near the department of Rivas.

“Captain Grant Atkinson, one of our most valuable employees, did not survive the accident,” confirmed the president of Kasi Aviation Services Inc. Mark Kalus in a press release issued Friday. The company to which the driver was working is based in Dorval.

Grant Atkinson grew up in Montreal and studied at Aviation Training Centre of Quebec at Chicoutimi. He was the father of two young children, according to our information.

The company’s pilot was participating in a mission of aerial geological survey in the project to build a canal across the country to connect the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Kasi The company has been engaged by the Australian firm CSA Global and HKND Group.

“The causes of this tragic accident are still unknown,” said HKND group, in a statement.

According to the Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa, the plane took off from the capital Managua around 9:30 am and disappeared from radar screens at about noon. This same media reports that a deployed parachute was found near the debris of the plane.

KASI Group Aviation and HKND say cooperate with local authorities to find the cause of the accident. Dr. Kalus also went to Nicaragua to assist in the investigation.

“I extend my sincere condolences to those who are so sadly bereaved. On behalf of the company, I want to express how much we are sorry that this tragic accident happened (free translation), “added Mr. Kalus in a statement.

The company also thanked the Nicaraguan authorities and rescue teams for their quick response and their effectiveness to locate the crash site.

Grant Atkinson worked for Laurentide Aviation. “It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to someone so young, the company wrote on its Facebook page. Grant Atkinson was a dispatcher for Laurentide Aviation in 2011 and always had a smile on his face. Our condolences go to his family and friends and loved ones. ”

On this same page as that of Kasi, several people commented on the news and said they were devastated by the news. “Grant was a really nice guy,” wrote one woman.