Search and rescue personnel were dispatched to the ELT signal from a Cessna 182 that triggered about 8:45 a.m. Saturday about 50 nautical miles north of Smithers, B.C. and it’s confirmed it came from a fatal crash. The signal prompted the dispatch of a Cormorant helicopter and Buffalo aircraft from CFB Comox but it was a local helicopter crew that found the crash scene. It’s not clear how many were on board and if anyone survived.
The Cormorant was able to drop off search and rescue technicians and turned the investigation over to civilian authorities. Later in the afternoon, RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service headed to the scene. The area 50 miles north of Smithers is mostly mountainous wilderness.