What happened
On 8 March 2022, a Cessna 208 Caravan, registered as C-GIPR, was performing a series of visual flight rules flights from Sioux Lookout Airport in Ontario. Following an initial successful trip to an ice runway at Springpole Lake, the pilot prepared for a second flight by loading roughly 900 pounds of cargo and taking off with 750 pounds of fuel. The aircraft was carrying one passenger, with both occupants secured by 5-point harnesses.
During the departure, a snow squall moved over the airport, causing visibility to drop. The pilot waited for the weather to clear before taking off from Runway 34 at 1301. While flying at an altitude between 1600 and 1700 feet above sea level to stay below the cloud ceiling, the aircraft crossed Lac Seul. While traversing the lake, the aircraft entered a snow squall that created sudden whiteout conditions and turbulence. During this period, the pilot observed ice forming on the left wing's leading edge and noticed a rapid descent on the altimeter. Despite attempts to pull back on the controls, the aircraft struck the frozen lake approximately 17 nautical miles north-northwest of Sioux Lookout.
Findings
The impact caused substantial damage to the Cessna 208 Caravan, though no fire occurred. The two occupants sustained minor injuries. Following the activation of the emergency locator transmitter, search and rescue technicians from the Royal Canadian Air Force reached the site via parachute. The occupants were eventually evacuated by a civilian helicopter. The accident was driven by encounters with a snow squall and subsequent whiteout conditions.