Created Wednesday, Jan 24th 2024 11:11Z, last updated Friday, Jan 26th 2024 10:31Z
A Northwestern Air BAe British Aerospace Jetstream, registration C-FNAA performing a charter flight from Fort Smith,NT to Diavik Diamond Mine,NT (Canada) with 5 passengers and 2 crew, lost height shortly after takeoff from Fort Smith*s runway 30 and impacted ground about 500-1100 meters/1650-3600 feet off the end of the departure runway west of the airport near the banks of Slave River at about 08:45L (15:45Z). 4 passengers and both crew died, one passenger survived.
Canadian Authorities reported on Jan 23rd and early Jan 24th, there have been a so far unknown number of fatilities, initial reports 10 of the occupants may have been killed with the 11th being critically injured, were retracted.
Authorities reported rescuers were parachuted to the accident site.
The local Coroner confirmed there have been fatalities.
The airline reported one of their Jetstreams was involved in the accident causing a number of fatalities.
According to the operator of the Diavik Diamond Mine, Rio Tinto, the aircraft was carrying Rio Tinto workers to their mine.
The Canadian TSB have deployed an investigation team.
The local hospital reported they activated the mass casualty protocol at about 08:50L.
In the afternoon of Jan 24th 2024 the chief coroner reported, both crew and 4 passengers died in the accident, one surviving passenger was taken to a hospital in Yellowknife, the families have been informed.
According to the airline's website they operate 6 Jetstream 3100 and 5 Jetstream 3200 aircraft, all aircraft able to carry 19 passengers.
According to ADS-B data Jetstream 3200 JS32 registration C-FNAA was operating in and out of Fort Smith during January 2024, however, the tail number of the accident aircraft is currently unknown.
On Jan 26th 2024 the Canadian TSB reported mentioning the tail number C-FNAA: "On 23 January 2024, a BAE Jetstream 3212 aircraft operated by Northwestern Air Lease Ltd. was conducting a flight from Fort Smith Airport, Northwest Territories to Diavik Mine Airport, Northwest Territories, with 2 flight crew and 5 passengers on board. Shortly after takeoff on Runway 30, the aircraft collided with terrain. There was a post-impact fire, and the aircraft was destroyed. Six occupants were fatally injured, and one sustained serious injuries. The TSB is investigating."
