Overview
On January 23, 2013, a de Havilland DHC-6-300 Twin Otter, registration C-GKBC and serial number 650, operated by Kenn Borek Air Ltd., departed South Pole Station, Antarctica, at 0523 Coordinated Universal Time. The flight was a visual flight rules repositioning flight to Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica, with a crew of 3 on board.
Flight and Search
The aircraft failed to make its last scheduled radio check-in at 0827 Coordinated Universal Time, and the flight was considered overdue. An emergency locator transmitter signal was detected in the vicinity of Mount Elizabeth, Antarctica, prompting a search and rescue effort. Extreme weather conditions hampered the operation, preventing the search and rescue team from accessing the site for 2 days.
Crash Site Findings
Once on site, investigators determined that the aircraft had impacted terrain and that the crew members of C-GKBC had not survived. Adverse weather, high altitude, and the condition of the aircraft prevented the recovery of the crew and a comprehensive examination of the aircraft. No indications of fire were observed on the limited portions of the aircraft that were visible. The accident occurred during daylight hours.