What happened
A flight originating from La Ronge, Saskatchewan, was conducting its second leg of travel when the aircraft departed from the Welcome Bay ice strip at Wollaston Lake. The occupants included two pilots from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), an additional RCMP member, and an inspector representing the Saskatchewan Department of Public Works.
According to witnesses on the ground, the takeoff appeared routine, with the aircraft leveling briefly before ascending into a cloud layer. Shortly after entering the clouds, observers noted a sudden surge in engine noise followed by a rapid decline in sound and an audible noise resembling a backfire. As the aircraft emerged from the clouds, it was observed in a steep, nose-down descent with the right wing low. The aircraft struck the ice approximately one mile north of Welcome Bay. All four occupants suffered fatal injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed that there were no signs of mechanical failure or structural issues within the airframe or its systems prior to the crash. The crew was found to be fully qualified and certified for the mission, and the aircraft's weight and center of gravity were within legal limits. Furthermore, the aircraft was properly maintained and equipped according to all necessary regulations. However, investigators determined that the pilot entered known icing conditions in an aircraft not certified for such environments.