6 fatalities

Mount Swan Aircraft Accident Kills Six, Injures Four (C-GXUC)

High Prairie, CanadaFlight

On October 19, 1984, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration C-GXUC) operated by Wapiti Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near High Prairie, Canada in flight. 6 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A night flight from Edmonton to Peace River crashed on Mount Swan after encountering marginal weather and VOR signal interference. The wreckage was found the next day; six occupants died, including politician Walter Grant Notley, and four were injured.

Accident Overview

An aircraft en route from Edmonton to Peace River crashed on Mount Swan, southwest of Lesser Slave Lake, during a night flight. The crew encountered marginal weather conditions and experienced interference that prevented them from receiving the Whitecourt VOR signal. Believing they had already overflown the mountain range southeast of High Prairie, the crew descended too low. The aircraft struck tree tops, stalled, and crashed in a wooded, snow-covered area.

Flight Details

The flight originated from Edmonton and was destined for Peace River. While cruising at night, the crew faced marginal weather and VOR signal interference, leading to a navigation error. The aircraft struck tree tops on Mount Swan, stalled, and impacted terrain. The wreckage was located the following day in an isolated area.

Aftermath

The accident resulted in six fatalities and four injuries. Among the deceased was Canadian politician Walter Grant Notley, aged 45. The injured included the pilot and three passengers. The aircraft was destroyed.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Oct 1984 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near High Prairie, Canada?

A night flight from Edmonton to Peace River crashed on Mount Swan after encountering marginal weather and VOR signal interference. The wreckage was found the next day; six occupants died, including politician Walter Grant Notley, and four were injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Oct 1984 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Oct 1984 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration C-GXUC, operated by Wapiti Aviation, at High Prairie, Canada.