Premier Roland Expresses Condolences for Arctic Sunwest Tragedy

News Releases

September 23, 2011 - Today, Premier Floyd Roland released the following statement on the Arctic Sunwest tragedy.

“We’ve become so accustomed in the North to travelling in small planes that it was with shock and sadness that we learned of yesterday’s crash in Yellowknife and the further loss of two members of our Northwest Territories air industry family.

The thoughts and prayers of all NWT residents are, today, with colleagues, friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy.

We are indebted to the professionals and volunteers who acted quickly and selflessly to attend to yesterday’s crash victims and who took steps to ensure their safety. Our best wishes and continued support are with those now recovering from this accident.

Amidst the history, romance and adventure of our trademark bush pilots and planes, it is so easy to forget the danger and risks that are inherent in this vital northern industry. It is a tribute to the men and women that fly these planes daily that reminders such as yesterday’s events are, in fact, rare and therefore so devastating when they occur.”

For more information please contact:
Drew Williams
Premier’s Office
Press Secretary
867-669-2304
Drew_williams@gov.nt.ca


On September 22, 2011 at 1:15 p.m. an Arctic Sunwest Twin Otter aircraft on floats crashed on land near the intersection of McDonald Drive and Hearne Hill Road by the Old Town causeway. There were nine souls on board. First responders from the City of Yellowknife Fire Department and the Yellowknife Airport Fire Department attended the scene along with the RCMP. GNWT response to the incident will involve four departments: Municipal and Community Affairs, Health and Social Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Justice.

Health and Social Services (HSS)

Stanton Hospital was put on “Code Orange”, a high alert status used for incidents with multiple casualties. Code orange was put in stand down as of 16:00.

Kay Lewis, CEO of Stanton Territorial Health Authority, held a press conference at the Stanton Territorial Hospital at 15:30 on the day of the accident to update media.

Two confirmed dead, nine people total, one medevac already sent to Edmonton and one medevac depending on test results.

Transportation (DOT)

Yellowknife Airport fire crews were asked to assist and responded to crash at 1:20. YZF fire department sprayed fire-suppressant foam and assisted at the scene. Control of the crash site was passed on to the Yellowknife Fire Department.

Both the YZF and Airports division Emergency Operating Centres were activated after the crash.

The Yellowknife Airport Fire Chief was on scene and took photos to support the investigation.

Further investigation of the incident will be the responsibility of the RCMP and the Transportation Safety Board.

Environment and Natural Resources (ENR)

1,770 litres of fuel, 26.5 litres of oil, 5.7 litres of hydraulic oil on board at time of incident.

Arctic Sunwest has provided spill containment booms to the fuel spill recovery.  City of Yellowknife is vacuuming fuel from a culvert.

Some contamination remains on the ground near the plane as the crash investigation is still underway.  As of this time no fuel has entered the lake.

Two absorbent booms and one floating boom have been deployed.  ENR officer in a boat to help with boom deployment.

The City of Yellowknife has a vacuum truck of spilled fuel and fire fighting foam for disposal.

The roadway has been steam cleaned.

City vacuum truck operator is coming to the ENR for waste manifests to dispose of hazardous waste.

Department of Justice (DOJ)

A coroner was on the scene shortly following the crash.  Victims Services is providing support and counselling to those affected by the crash.

For more information:

James Mackenzie
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories

Tel: (867) 669-2302
Fax: (867) 873-0111