What happened
On 06 August 2019, an Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, registered as C-FSKF, was performing a scheduled company flight from Rau Strip, Yukon, toward Mayo Airport. The aircraft was carrying one pilot, one passenger, and various cargo at the time of departure.
Shortly after 11:01 PDT, the flight encountered instrument meteorological conditions. While navigating through these reduced visibility conditions, the aircraft collided with rising terrain inside a box canyon. The impact took place at an elevation of 5,500 feet, roughly 25 nautical miles east-northeast of Mayo Airport. Following the collision, a small fire occurred at the wreckage site, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
Emergency responders, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and medical services, reached the location about 90 minutes after the event. Witnesses from a nearby exploration camp had reached the site approximately one hour after the accident. The crash resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and the passenger.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered instrument meteorological conditions during the flight.
- The 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter failed to send a signal to the Canadian Mission Control Centre.