What happened
On 20 August 2011, a Boeing 737-210C operated by Bradley Air Services Limited (operating as First Air) was conducting a charter flight from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, to Resolute Bay, Nunavut. During the approach to Runway 35T, the aircraft, registered as C-GNWN, struck a hill located approximately one nautical mile east of the runway.
The impact of the collision and a subsequent fire caused the destruction of the aircraft. The accident resulted in 12 fatalities, comprising all four crew members and eight passengers. Three additional passengers survived the crash with serious injuries and were subsequently rescued by Canadian military personnel who were stationed in the area for a military exercise.
The incident occurred during daylight hours, and the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter failed to emit a signal.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's impact with terrain during the approach phase of the flight.