Missing N.W.T. charter plane spotted, condition of pilots unknown

A Hercules searching for a missing charter flight in the Northwest Territories has spotted the aircraft, according to an official involved in the search.

Sgt. Alfred Beaverho, head of the Canadian Rangers in Whati,told CBC News early Wednesday evening that the plane was spotted near Behchoko, N.W.T. The Air Tindi charter flight was en route from Yellowknife to the community ofWhati.Whatiis located about 75 kilometres northwest ofBehchoko.

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There were two pilots on boardand no passengers. Beaverhosaid there is no information about the pilots' condition. He said Canadian Rangers were heading to the aircraft.

Air Tindipresident Al Martinsaid contact with the King Air 200 was lost when the aircraft was approximately 24to 32 kilometres outsideWhati Wednesday morningsometime between 9and 9:30.

Martin said two Air Tindi planes were looking for the aircraft. One of the search planes hadmedics on board.

The community government in Whati was notified in case the community needs to provide service in any capacity. The pilots' nextof kin have been notified that they are unaccounted for.

Martin said the Transportation Safety Board and search and rescue were also notified.

Royal Canadian Air Force spokesperson David Lavallee said the RCMP contacted the air force midday to inform them of the missing plane. TheC-130 Hercules aircraft was sent from Winnipegto help with the search.

It was23 C with blowing snow in the area on Wednesday, according to Environment Canada.

In a press release issued late Wednesday afternoon, Northwest Territories RCMPsaid they were also investigating the incident.

"Inclement weather is currently playing a factor in the search efforts," the statement said. "The RCMP wish to remind the general public not to engage in any self-deployed searches."