What happened
A flight operated for the Inuit Tapirisut of Canada was returning passengers to their respective settlements following a week-long conference held at Pond Inlet. During the transit, the crew received notification that deteriorating weather conditions would prevent them from landing at Frobisher Bay as originally intended.
While attempting to divert to an alternative airfield, the flight encountered difficulties. While cruising at 9,000 feet, the captain notified air traffic control that the aircraft was experiencing a critical fuel shortage and required an immediate landing. The aircraft, which was carrying delegates, subsequently performed a belly landing on open terrain situated approximately 80 km north of Frobisher Bay.
All 26 occupants were successfully rescued from the site following the incident. Although there were no fatalities, the aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond repair, and it was left at the landing site.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the emergency was a fuel shortage resulting from the necessity to divert due to worsening weather conditions.