Accident Details
On the day of the accident, a pilot from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and three policemen were transporting a prisoner from Mayo to Whitehorse. While approaching the community of Carmacks under good weather conditions, the pilot was performing a circuit to land when the aircraft suddenly rolled over and spun into the ground. The crash site was located on a bank just below the Mayo Road, approximately between the Territorial Garage and the Carmacks bridge, near the Yukon River. The wreckage was burned. All five occupants were killed in the accident.
Occupants
The crew consisted of Sergeant K. M. Laughland, Corporal R. W. Asbil, Constable P. L. A. Malcolm, and Constable W. J. L. Annand. The passenger was Joseph Phillipe Clement Desormeaux, who was being transferred as a prisoner.
Investigation
Investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, it was established that no mechanical failure occurred on the aircraft prior to the accident. The pilot was described as skilled. Officials believe that the loss of control may have been caused by local downdrafts or by a stall due to insufficient speed.