Wreckage of missing plane found, crash deemed 'not survivable'

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota
CTVNews.ca Staff
Published Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 2:33AM EST
Last Updated Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 3:18AM EST

The wreckage of a plane missing in Antarctica since Wednesday has been found.

It appears to have made a direct impact that was "not survivable," New Zealand's Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCCNZ) confirmed Saturday in a statement.

The Twin Otter aircraft, owned by Calgary-based Kenn Borek Air, was carrying three Canadians and went missing over the Queen Alexandria mountain range.

"The aircraft wreckage is on a very steep slope, close to the summit of Mt. Elizabeth," said the RCCNZ, adding that no details are available at this time on the cause of the crash.

"Next of kind have been informed," continued the statement.

The Twin Otter's emergency locator transmitter was activated Wednesday as the plane travelled from a U.S. research station at the South Pole to an Italian research base in Terra Nova Bay.

The rescue effort was hampered by heavy winds and cloud cover.

The beacon stopped transmitting likely because the battery died and there had been no contact with the crew. But it was hoped they were able to survive because they were equipped with survival suits, cold-weather tents and food and water to last up to five days.

Friends have identified the pilot as Bob Heath from the Northwest Territories, an experienced pilot in both the Antarctic and Arctic.

Media reports have identified the copilot as 25-year-old Mike Denton, a newlywed from Calgary whose photographs of planes appear on the Kenn Borek Air website.

The third crew member has not yet been identified.

CTV News contacted Kenn Borek Air but they are not commenting at this time.

The RCCNZ was coordinating the search for the aircraft, working with United States and Canadian authorities.

Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Tracy Brickles said in a statement that it was a sad end to the operation.

“It has been difficult operation in challenging conditions but we remained hopeful of a positive result. Our thoughts are now with the families of the crewmen.”