Yesterday Wasaya Airways became concerned when Flight 127, a Cessna 208 Caravan cargo aircraft, flying between Pickle Lake and Angling Lake (Wapekeka) was overdue and not responding to radio calls.
The aircraft left Pickle Lake at 09:00 yesterday morning en route to Wapekeka. At approximately 1:15PM EST, Canadian Forces Search and Rescue visually located the aircraft by air reconnaissance, approximately 28 km northeast of Pickle Lake.
Wasaya Airways has confirmed Search And Rescue (SARs) ground crews have reached the aircraft site of Wasaya flight 127. Upon arrival, crews found the lone occupant of the aircraft, Captain Nick Little, not responsive and he could not be resuscitated.
Rescue efforts were hindered by poor weather conditions in the area. A helicopter dispatched was unable to reach the site due to heavy icing. The Ontario Provincial Police, together with SARs technicians, launched a ground rescue initiative at approximately 3:51 PM when it was clear the helicopter was unable to reach the site. The SARs Techs arrived at the aircraft site on foot at approximately 10:50 PM.
Michael Rodyniuk, President and CEO of Wasaya Airways said:
“We are devastated by the loss of Captain Little. We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nick’s family.”
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to the site of the fatal accident. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence. The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.