What happened
On the day of the accident, an aircraft was performing logistics support for mineral exploration operations in the Yukon. The mission involved moving fuel, building materials, and supplies from Mayo to various winter airstrips, including locations at Withers Lake and Rackla River. During the flight in question, the aircraft was carrying two barrels of jet fuel along with twelve wooden timbers, each measuring 16 feet in length.
The pilot had begun operations at Mayo Airport around 0630 that morning. Before the fatal flight, the pilot had successfully completed two trips to Withers Lake and one trip to the Rackla airstrip. The aircraft departed Mayo at 1448 operating under visual flight rules (VFR) as part of a scheduled company itinerary.
At 1507, an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) signal on the 406-MHz frequency was detected by the Canadian Mission Control Centre. Following notification of the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre Victoria, search efforts were initiated, including the dispatch of a commercial helicopter from Ross River. At 1833, the helicopter crew discovered the wreckage situated on a remote, snow-covered slope at an elevation of approximately 4300 feet above sea level, located roughly 38 nautical miles northeast of Mayo.