What happened
On a flight from Gods Lake Narrows to Thompson, Manitoba, a Beechcraft A100 (registration C-FSNA) experienced a critical emergency shortly after departing Runway 32. The aircraft, operated by Sky North Air Ltd., was carrying a crew of two pilots and a flight nurse, along with two patients. During a left climbing turn, the crew observed smoke and fire originating from the cockpit pedestal area.
In an attempt to manage the emergency, the crew initiated a maneuver to return to Runway 14 at the departure airport. During this process, the aircraft struck trees and came to a stop in a forested region located roughly 0.5 nautical miles northwest of the airfield. The incident occurred at 2140 CST.
All five people on board successfully evacuated the wreckage. While there were no fatalities, two individuals sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was completely destroyed due to the force of the impact and a subsequent fire. Search efforts located the crash site at approximately 0250.
Findings
- An in-flight fire originated in the cockpit pedestal area.
- The aircraft's emergency locator transmitter was destroyed by the post-crash fire, leaving its signal status unconfirmed.