What happened
On 24 April 2019, a Beechcraft B200, registered as C-FRMV, was performing an instrument flight rules positioning flight from Winnipeg/James Armstrong Richardson International Airport to Rankin Inlet Airport, with a scheduled stop at Churchill Airport. The aircraft, operated by Keewatin Air LP, was configured for medical evacuation and was carrying two flight crew members and two flight nurses.
While cruising at flight level 250, the crew declared an emergency because of a fuel-related issue. In response, the crew diverted the aircraft toward Gillam Airport, Manitoba, and began an emergency descent. During this descent, both engines flamed out. The crew attempted to reach Runway 23 at Gillam Airport, but the aircraft landed on the frozen surface of Stephens Lake, approximately 750 feet short of the runway threshold. After touching down, the aircraft struck the rocky shoreline and slid up the bank, eventually coming to a stop 190 feet before the runway threshold. There were no injuries to the four occupants, though the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances leading to the engine failure and the subsequent forced landing. Investigators confirmed that the 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter activated upon impact and that emergency services arrived at the scene. The investigation established that the aircraft's landing gear was fully extended during the landing on the lake.