Accident Overview
A single-engine airplane crashed in a wooded area in the Cheakamus Canyon, near Garibaldi Lake, approximately 30 km north of Squamish. The aircraft was destroyed, and all five occupants were killed.
Flight Details
The airplane departed Bridge River in the afternoon on an ambulance flight destined for Vancouver. On board was a critically-ill miner being transported for medical care, accompanied by a nurse. Two additional passengers were taking advantage of the flight to return to Vancouver after a weekend visit with relatives. While cruising north of Squamish, the pilot encountered poor weather conditions and was flying under the cloud layer when the airplane collided with trees and crashed.
Occupants
The crew consisted of pilot Bib Drinkwater. The passengers were identified as Joseph Neumeyer (the patient), Lucille Worden (the nurse), Lawrence Edward Hamilton, and Charles Ernest Maple.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be controlled flight into terrain.