Photo: The Canadian Press
Four people have died in a plane crash in northwestern Ontario, officials said Sunday as the Canadian Transportation Safety Board launched an investigation into the incident.
David Lavalli, a public relations officer at the Royal Canadian Air Force, said the search for the Piper PA-28 Cherokee began near Sioux Lookout, Ont., Around 4:30 a.m. Saturday after officers were notified of an overdue plane the day before.
He said rescuers were able to refine the transponder of the plane’s emergency locator, and the crash site was discovered later that day southeast of Sioux Lookout, about 450 kilometers east of Winnipeg.
“It is remote and difficult to access,” Lavalli said.
Lavalli said four people were on board the plane and no one survived the crash.
Extensive searches included a Hercules turboprop aircraft and a Air Force Griffon helicopter, as well as an Ontario government helicopter and a team from the Civil Aviation Search and Rescue Association of Thunder Bay, Ont.
Lavalli said the plane took off from Dryden, Ont. and was on his way to Marathon, Ont.
A statement from the Ontario Police said that the remains were located in the area of Lake Cuckoo, which is between Igans, Ontario. and Sioux Lookout.
Police said the identities of the four passengers on the plane would not be revealed until they were confirmed and family members notified.
A press release from the Transport Safety Council said a team of investigators had been sent to the crash site.
Spokesman Chris Krepsky said the plane appeared to have left Dryden on Friday night.
The crash was the second incident in April involving a small plane in northern Ontario.
Piper Comanche disappeared after taking off from Delhi, Ont., On April 14, also on its way to the Marathon. Despite a thorough search, there is no sign of him or his two occupants.
The last known position of the aircraft was 60 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
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