Crash of a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) in Falaise Lake

Date & Time: Dec 22, 2010 at 1350 LT
Operator:
Registration:
C-FMLI
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Yellowknife – Fort Saint John
MSN:
61-0589-7963259
YOM:
1979
Country:
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The twin engine aircraft was en route from Yellowknife, NT to Fort St. John, BC. The pilot noticed fumes and smoke coming from behind the rear cabin wall. The cabin was depressurized and the door opened to clear the smoke. A forced landing was conducted onto the frozen surface of Falaise Lake, NT. The pilot immediately egressed, however, the aircraft was soon engulfed in flames and was completely consumed. The pilot was not injured and was flown out by helicopter.