What happened
On 31 August 2021, a Mooney M20C was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from La Crete Airport, Alberta, with a destination of Saskatoon International Airport, Saskatchewan. The flight plan submitted to NAV CANADA specified that the aircraft would pass over Lloydminster Airport and Slave Lake Airport without making any intermediate stops.
At approximately 10:12 Mountain Daylight Time, an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal was detected near a location roughly 12 nautical miles north of Slave Lake Airport. Although the signal was received on the day of the flight, adverse weather conditions prevented an immediate search. The aircraft was eventually located on 2 September 2021.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's impact with the ground. The search and recovery efforts were hampered by the initial weather conditions. Upon discovery of the wreckage, it was determined that there was no post-impact fire.
Findings
- The pilot, who was the only person on board, sustained fatal injuries.
- The aircraft collided with terrain during the flight.