Pilot of Wasaya Airways Flight Found Unresponsive

THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Wasaya Airways has learned 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, our Captain Nick Little, not responsive and he could not be resuscitated. Rescue crews are on site now and will remain on site through the night awaiting additional resources to airlift our fallen crew member home.

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.

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.”

More information will be released as soon as it becomes available.

The team at NetNewsLedger shares our condolences with the staff and families at Wasaya Airways, and the family and friends of Captain Nick Little.