7 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Disappears Near Smithers; Search Abandoned (C-GIPF)

Smithers, CanadaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 2, 1983, a Britten-Norman Islander (registration C-GIPF) operated by Central Mountain Air Services was involved in an aviation accident near Smithers, Canada during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Due to lack of evidence, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane carrying one pilot and six German citizens vanished while descending to Smithers. Search operations were called off after four weeks with no trace of the aircraft or its occupants found.

Overview

A twin-engine airplane was returning to Smithers when it crashed in unknown circumstances in an isolated area during its descent. The aircraft was carrying one pilot and six German citizens who were participating in a hunting camp. No further details about the flight or the circumstances of the crash have been disclosed.

Search Efforts

Search and rescue operations were initiated promptly after the aircraft was reported missing. However, despite extensive efforts, the search was abandoned after four weeks. No trace of the aircraft or its seven occupants was found during this period. The reasons for the abandonment of the search were not specified.

Investigation

An investigation was conducted into the accident. Due to the lack of physical evidence and the absence of any wreckage or survivors, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The official findings state that the precise cause remains unknown. No other factors or contributing circumstances were identified or released.

Probable cause

Due to lack of evidence, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.