Aircraft disappearance and wreckage discovery in Mealy Mountains

2 fatalities • Cartwright, Canada • Flight

A freight and passenger flight operating in Newfoundland and Labrador disappeared in May 2010, with wreckage later found in the Mealy Mountains.

What happened

A scheduled round-trip flight departed from Goose Bay, intended to visit Cartwright and Black Tickle, Newfoundland and Labrador, to deliver cargo and a passenger. During the mission, the pilot transmitted a radio message at roughly 0905, reporting the aircraft's position approximately 60 nautical miles west of Cartwright. Following this transmission, all communication from the aircraft ceased.

After the aircraft failed to reach its intended destinations, it was officially reported missing at 1010. Search operations were initiated but faced significant difficulties due to adverse weather conditions. On 28 May 2010, at approximately 2200, search teams located the wreckage situated on a plateau within the Mealy Mountains. The impact and subsequent post-crash fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were two fatalities resulting from the accident.

Findings

Investigation into the disappearance revealed that the aircraft was not equipped with an emergency locator transmitter, which prevented the transmission of an automated distress signal following the crash. The wreckage was found in a remote area, and the lack of signaling technology contributed to the delay in locating the site.

Probable cause

The absence of an emergency locator transmitter prevented the transmission of a distress signal following the crash.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2010-05-26 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Cartwright, Canada?

A freight and passenger flight operating in Newfoundland and Labrador disappeared in May 2010, with wreckage later found in the Mealy Mountains.

Were there any fatalities in the 2010-05-26 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-05-26 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration C-FZSD, operated by North Wind Aviation, at Cartwright, Canada.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The absence of an emergency locator transmitter prevented the transmission of a distress signal following the crash.

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