‘One of a kind’: Pilot killed in plane crash identified as Calgary business owner

Michael James Wilton has been identified as the pilot killed in crash west of Calgary on Friday, April 23, 2022. (Credit: Facebook)

By The Canadian Press

Posted Apr 26, 2022 7:58 pm.

A pilot who was killed in a plane crash west of Calgary has been identified as the president of a local aircraft sales company.

Two people were in the 1981 Mooney M20K aircraft on Friday when it crashed along Highway 1 near the Springbank Airport.

Related story:

The pilot was killed and a 22-year-old woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

FlightSimple, an aircraft sales company, has identified the pilot as its president, Michael James Wilton.

A statement on the company’s website says he will be missed by everyone who met him.

It says Wilton, who was 45, was larger than life, a hero to his twin boys, and was loved for his courage, generosity and sense of humour.

Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Alberta couple fighting CRA after being asked to repay $33K in COVID benefits

An Alberta couple says Canada's tax agency is trying to recoup tens of thousands of dollars in COVID supports, years after the claims were cleared.

9h ago

Carney 'concerned' about U.S. 'escalation' on Greenland after tariffs

President Donald Trump says eight countries will face a 10-per-cent tariff starting Feb. 1 amid a push to buy Greenland.

5h ago

Calgary rally for Ukraine, calling for accountability as Russia continues bombardment

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is holding a rally in Calgary on Sunday to call attention to the attacks Russia continues to carry out.

7h ago

Health Canada recalls baby stroller over possible choking hazard

Health Canada is recalling a baby stroller sold over the last year in Canada due to a choking hazard. The federal agency says the grab bar of the 3-in-1 INFANS Baby Stroller, which has an adjustable...

3h ago

Top Stories

Alberta couple fighting CRA after being asked to repay $33K in COVID benefits

An Alberta couple says Canada's tax agency is trying to recoup tens of thousands of dollars in COVID supports, years after the claims were cleared.

9h ago

Carney 'concerned' about U.S. 'escalation' on Greenland after tariffs

President Donald Trump says eight countries will face a 10-per-cent tariff starting Feb. 1 amid a push to buy Greenland.

5h ago

Calgary rally for Ukraine, calling for accountability as Russia continues bombardment

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is holding a rally in Calgary on Sunday to call attention to the attacks Russia continues to carry out.

7h ago

Health Canada recalls baby stroller over possible choking hazard

Health Canada is recalling a baby stroller sold over the last year in Canada due to a choking hazard. The federal agency says the grab bar of the 3-in-1 INFANS Baby Stroller, which has an adjustable...

3h ago

Most Watched Today

2:25
Support for separation at Alberta independence petition events

From small towns to large urban centres, the Alberta independence petition events are generally seeing long lines of supporters across the province. Amar Shah reports.

22h ago

2:00
Alberta Law Foundation accused of ousting directors for provincial government backlash

The Alberta Law Foundation is being called out by a former director after she and one other director were removed, which was followed by a mass resignation of 14 other staff members. Dione Wearmouth reports.

23h ago

2:13
Calgary man claims recovered stolen truck released to wrong person

A Calgary man can’t believe his luck claiming his stolen truck was finally recovered after four years, but released to the wrong person. Henna Saeed reports.

January 16, 2026 4:53 pm MST MST

1:37
Team Canada's Olympic speed skating roster revealed in Calgary

Team Canada announces the long track speed skaters who will represent our nation in Italy at the 2026 Winter Games. Rayn Rashid talks to a first-time Olympian from Calgary on his journey to games.

January 15, 2026 6:49 pm MST MST

2:31
Petition on Alberta independence starts collecting signatures

The citizen initiative petition on Alberta independence that was approved by Elections Alberta in December, has begun collecting signatures. Amar Shah reports from the Stay Free Alberta campaign event in Calgary.

January 11, 2026 12:36 am MST MST

More Videos