In Loving Memory of Peter Toth – Past President, Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club, Aviation Enthusiast & Beloved Community Member
Silent Key & Aviation Tragedy Leaves Community Mourning
The Winnipeg community is mourning the tragic and untimely passing of Peter Toth, a passionate aviator, builder, and dedicated member of several local organizations, including serving as past President of the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club. Peter, who recently fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a licensed pilot, died in a devastating ultralight plane crash near Dugald, Manitoba, over the weekend. He was the sole occupant and victim of the crash.
A Life of Passion and Pursuit
Peter was more than just a hobbyist—he was a builder, a dreamer, and a doer. His deep passion for aviation was apparent to anyone who knew him. Through his YouTube channel, Peter invited the world to follow his aviation journey, documenting everything from the meticulous rebuilding of his Quad City Challenger II ultralight aircraft to the thrilling moment he finally earned his pilot’s license in 2024.
“Yes, I got the airplane before I got my pilot’s licence. I consider it motivation to finally realize a lifelong dream of flying.” — he wrote in the description of his YouTube channel, a testament to his unwavering determination and love for aviation.
Peter’s adventurous spirit wasn’t limited to the skies. As an active contributor to the Experimental Aircraft Association Winnipeg Chapter 63, Peter volunteered his time and energy into collaborative aviation projects, including work on the beloved Emeraude aircraft. He was known as a tireless supporter, always eager to help and always smiling while doing so.
“It is with great sadness that we learned today of the passing of one our most active Chapter 63 members,” read a heartfelt message posted by the Experimental Aircraft Association’s local chapter. “Peter loved working on our Emeraude and on his Challenger II, and more recently flying his Challenger. He had only recently received his pilot licence, and continued his training by getting his seaplane rating… Blue skies, and tailwinds, my friend.”
The Tragic Crash
According to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, Peter’s privately registered ultralight aircraft crashed in a field about 20 kilometres east of Winnipeg, in the Rural Municipality of Springfield, on the morning of Saturday, July 27, 2025.
The Quad City Challenger II aircraft reportedly went down around 10:50 a.m., and emergency response was initiated shortly after 11 a.m. by Oakbank RCMP. The aircraft had collided with terrain, and Peter, tragically, was found deceased at the scene. The TSB dispatched two investigators to examine the site of the crash and gather further information, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
A Silent Key
Beyond his love of aviation, Peter was deeply involved in the amateur radio community. As a Silent Key—a term used in ham radio culture to honor deceased radio operators—Peter leaves behind a legacy of leadership, knowledge-sharing, and warm camaraderie among radio enthusiasts in Manitoba and beyond.
His contributions to the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club were countless. He served as a mentor to many new operators, organized events, and was instrumental in keeping the community vibrant and connected. His calm voice over the airwaves, his wealth of technical know-how, and his encouragement to others will be sorely missed.
A Legacy That Soars
Peter Toth’s story is one of ambition fulfilled, even if his flight was far too short. He lived his dreams and shared them generously—whether by teaching others in the radio community, restoring and flying his ultralight aircraft, or vlogging his progress to inspire fellow aviation hopefuls.
To those who knew him, Peter was a symbol of what it means to live purposefully—chasing passion with focus, celebrating small victories with humility, and never hesitating to lend a hand to others with similar goals.
Remembering Peter
Peter’s passing has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his friends, family, fellow aviators, and amateur radio operators. Tributes continue to pour in across social media, forums, and club pages, with countless people expressing their admiration, grief, and gratitude for the time they shared with him.
Details regarding a memorial service will be shared by the family in the coming days. In the meantime, Peter’s loved ones and communities ask that he be remembered not by the tragedy that claimed his life, but by the inspiration he provided, the dreams he chased, and the sky he loved so dearly.
