What happened
On October 30, 1991, at roughly 4:40 p.m., a CC-1lam Hercules (registration 130322) operated by the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron was conducting a resupply flight, known as Operation Boxtop, from Thule Air Force Base in Greenland to Canadian Forces Station Alert. The aircraft was transporting 3,400 litres of diesel fuel to the station. During the final approach phase, the pilot lost visual contact with the runway. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft disappeared from radar and all communications ceased. The wreckage was located approximately 16 km south of the station.
Following the impact, a large-scale military rescue operation was initiated. While another Hercules crew spotted the flames from the crash site, extreme weather conditions and darkness hindered immediate aerial rescue efforts. A ground rescue team was dispatched from Alert, traveling overland through severe conditions with temperatures ranging from -20C to -30C. After more than 32 hours, search and rescue technicians were able to parachute into the site. The crash resulted in five fatalities and left thirteen survivors.
Findings
During the descent and final approach, the pilot lost sight of the runway due to the prevailing weather conditions.