Athabaska Airways

Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain

The Piper Navajo Chieftain PA-31-350, serial number 31-7952072, departed Edmonton, Alberta, on an instrument flight rules charter flight to Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan, with one pilot and six passengers on board. The pilot conducted a non-directional beacon approach at night in Stony Rapids, followed by a missed approach. He then attempted and missed a second approach. At about 2200 central standard time, while manoeuvring to land on runway 06, the aircraft struck trees 3.5 nautical miles west of the runway 06 button and roughly one quarter nautical mile left of the runway centreline, at an altitude of 1200 feet above sea level. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but no fire ensued. The pilot and one passenger were seriously injured, and the remaining five passengers sustained minor injuries. Canadian Forces search and rescue specialists were air-dropped to the site at 0300 and provided assistance to the pilot and passengers. Local ground search parties later assisted with the rescue.

De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

Shortly after takeoff from Saskatoon, while in initial climb, the single engine aircraft nosed down and crashed, bursting into flames. The pilot, sole on board, was seriously injured and the aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire.

De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

Parked at La Ronge, the single engine aircraft was stolen by a drunk 'pilot' who was able to run the engine but attempted to take off with controls locked. At a speed of about 60 knots, the aircraft struck obstacles and crashed on a hill. The aircraft was written off.

De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter

The float equipped aircraft landed hard at Maudsley Lake and bounced. The captain initiated a go-around when the aircraft struck trees and crashed. All nine occupants were injured and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

After takeoff, while climbing, the single engine airplane struck power cables and crashed. A passenger was killed while five other occupants were injured.

De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

Crashed in unknown circumstances into Knee Lake, Saskatchewan. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise

After takeoff from Portage la Prairie Airport, while in initial climb, the twin engine airplane went out of control, entered a dive and crashed in a field located few hundred meters from the runway end. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all six occupants were killed. Crew: John Kinzel, pilot, Mark Hefferman, copilot.