Whitehorse pilot, 31, dead after weekend plane crash
A 31-year-old Whitehorse pilot died after his single-engine aircraft went down in a remote area north of Faro.
Yukon's Coroner Service says Justin Kolla left Whitehorse on Saturday morning to go on a three-day hunting trip to Russell Creek, about 60 kilometres north of Faro. His plane went down on Mount Menzie, about 10 kilometres from his destination.
Kolla worked in the electrical department of Yukon Energy, his employer confirmed.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
According to the coroner, Kolla left Whitehorse with another man, who was flying a separate aircraft. The two were flying VFR (Visual Flight Rules), and weather forced them to take a route over lower terrain.
The two aircraft reportedly lost contact around 1:20 p.m., and when Kolla didn't arrive at Russell Creek, the other pilot backtracked and found the crash site.
Faro RCMP were notified later that afternoon, and flew to the area by helicopter. Police say they found Kolla's body at the site.
Investigation just beginning
The investigation is being lead by Yukon's coroner, with help from RCMP. The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has also begun an investigation.
According to the TSB, both men were flying Champion 7GCBs. Each plane had only the pilot on board.
Gerrit Vermeer, a senior investigator with the TSB, says the board will rely on the police documentation for now.
"They've taken photographs, they've taken statements. Interviews of the surviving pilot have been made," Vermeer said.
Vermeer adds the TSB is still in the early stages of the investigation and waiting on more information from the RCMP and Yukon Coroner's Service.
