Photographic Survey Corporation Aircraft Crash Near Rupert House (CF-CRL)

Flight Details and Departure The aircraft, owned by the Photographic Survey Corporation Limited, departed Great Whale River at approximately 0915 hours eastern standard time on a non-scheduled flight to Val d'Or. The pilot, a maintenance engineer, and two passengers were aboard. An instrument flight plan had been filed, with the aircraft intended to fly at 7,000 feet direct to Val d'Or, with an estimated arrival time of 1200 hours. ## In-Flight Communications After take-off, CF-CRL climbed on a magnetic heading of 185° using instruments. The pilot was requested to report passing 7,000 feet and continue climbing to 9,000 feet. Following routine messages that included a freezing level of 10,000 feet, the pilot reported at 0928 hours that he was visual at 10,000 feet and would maintain that altitude to Val d'Or. At 0930, he stated he would maintain 1,000 feet on top of the overcast, or 11,000 feet. At 0957, the pilot requested a radio check, and Great Whale River informed him that his transmission was weak. The pilot acknowledged this message, which was the last transmission received from him. ## Search and Recovery At 1600 hours, the RCAF Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Trenton, Ontario, was notified that the aircraft was overdue, and a search began. The wreckage was found on 25 July, 36 miles from Rupert House, Quebec, on a bearing of 153° True. All four occupants were killed in the crash, and the aircraft was destroyed.