A Canadian coroner’s jury is recommending tougher standards for northern pilots (particularly inexperienced ones) and better emergency equipment in its assessment of a crash that resulted in four deaths in the Northwest Territories Dec. 31, 2001. The jurors found that 23-year-old pilot Dana Wentzell took off in bad weather despite warnings from more experienced pilots, according to the Canadian Press. The Cessna 172 crashed into a mountain near Fort Good Hope, NWT, about 500 miles northwest of the capital city of Yellowknife. Passenger Kole Crook, 27, died on impact but Wentzell and sisters Ashley, 18, and Lindsay Andrew, 11, survived the crash only to die of exposure before rescuers found them. The jury said northern pilots need more training on decision-making and also suggested a probation period for inexperienced fliers. The jury also recommended that all aircraft flying in the North carry satellite telephones and that emergency locaters be upgraded. Wentzell flew for Ursus Air, which the inquest was told had been sanctioned for violating Transport Canada regulations.
Tougher Standards Urged For Northern Pilots
Key Takeaways:
- A 2001 plane crash in Canada's Northwest Territories, caused by an inexperienced pilot flying in poor weather, resulted in four deaths, with three succumbing to exposure after surviving the initial impact.
- A coroner's jury recommended tougher standards for northern pilots, including enhanced decision-making training and a probation period for inexperienced fliers.
- The jury also advised that all northern aircraft be equipped with satellite telephones and upgraded emergency locators to improve post-crash survival.
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