Missing Person

Hamilton Police continue to seek information about the disappearance of William Ruthven, an experienced pilot and employee of Peninsula Air.

On February 24, 1994, William rented a single-engine Piper Cherokee 140 aircraft, identified as CGX GC, to take aerial photographs. The aircraft left Mount Hope radar coverage at approximately 10:12 a.m., about six kilometres north of the Burlington Skyway Bridge. It was scheduled to land in Brampton.
William’s last radio contact was at approximately 1:45 p.m. He reported that something had struck the aircraft, that he was injured and that he could not read his instruments.

Despite an extensive air and ground search, neither William nor the aircraft was located.

Description at the time of disappearance

•    White man
•    Approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall
•    Approximately 156 pounds (70 kg)
•    Medium build
•    Dark brown hair

Anyone with information about William, the aircraft or its flight that day is asked to contact Hamilton Police.

Information about a possible sighting or aircraft wreckage could help investigators determine what happened and provide answers to William’s family.