A Wasaya Airways cargo flight reported as being missing this morning has been located.
The Thunder Bay-based regional carrier issued a release saying Canadian Forces Search and Rescue have located what appears to be Wasaya Airways’ Cessna 208 Caravan Cargo Flight 127 approximately 28 kilometres north of Pickle Lake. The aircraft appears to be in one piece and there is no sign of smoke or fire.
The airline did not release any information on the condition of the pilot. There were no passengers aboard.
The company said further updates will be forthcoming as information becomes available.
Media outlets in Thunder Bay reported the flight originated in Pickle Lake and was destined for Wapekeka First Nations.
It was reported overdue after 9 a.m. Friday morning when it failed to arrive.
Wasaya has bases in Sioux Lookout, Pickle Lake, and Red Lake. The First Nation-operated airline has a fleet of 18 aircraft providing scheduled passenger, charter, freight and fuel services to 25 destinations.
In 2014, the airlines received national attention amidst media reports of Transport Canada safety violations, growing debt, and concerns about improper use of a company credit card by a senior manager. A restructuring process started last September, beginning with the layoff of nearly 50 employees.
