Flight Details
On 28 February 2023, a Cessna 208B Caravan, registration C-GMVB, operated by 1401380 Ontario Limited, doing business as Wilderness North Air (WNA), was scheduled for two cargo flights from Nakina Airport (CYQN) to Fort Hope Airport (CYFH) in Ontario. The pilot-in-command, recently promoted on the aircraft type, was flying alone in daytime visual flight rules (VFR) conditions. After a morning weather briefing, he assessed conditions as satisfactory, noting gusty winds. An off-duty pilot offered to accompany him; the occurrence pilot remained PIC and occupied the left seat, while the second pilot, without assigned duties, sat in the right seat.
The first flight departed CYQN at 1020, landed at CYFH at 1055, and returned to CYQN at 1156 after unloading. For the second flight, cargo weighing 3320 pounds (groceries and household goods) was loaded. The aircraft refueled and departed Runway 27 at approximately 1245. A few minutes later, a radio call indicated their location and an estimated arrival at CYFH of 1330.
Search and Recovery
Approximately 30 minutes after the occurrence flight's departure, another WNA Cessna 208B (C-FUYC) departed CYQN for CYFH. Its crew encountered snow showers en route, and after arriving at CYFH at 1400, a snow squall significantly reduced visibility. Customers waiting at CYFH soon realized the occurrence aircraft had not arrived. At about 1430, WNA personnel at CYQN were informed. At 1445, WNA management notified the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Trenton, Ontario that the aircraft was overdue.
WNA initiated its own aerial search using C-FUYC, which departed CYFH at 1510 with two crew members, flew along the direct route of the missing aircraft, and returned to CYQN at 1546. After refueling, a second search flight departed at 1620 with two additional pilots as spotters, searching until 1840. JRCC began its response at 1500, with the first tasked aircraft arriving at 1700. The search continued over four days.
The occurrence aircraft was found on 04 March 2023, 30.8 nautical miles north-northwest of CYQN along the direct track to CYFH. Both pilots were fatally injured. The aircraft was destroyed by impact forces. There was no post-crash fire. No emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was installed, as it had been removed for recertification.