Plane crash victim is husband of former Sault resident

On Friday morning just after 9 a.m., a Wasaya Airways Cessna 208 Caravan travelling from Pickle Lake to Wapekeka First Nations, was reported overdue and was not in radio contact.

The cargo flight with one pilot and no passengers aboard was located down and stationary by Canadian Forces Search and Rescue crews in the Pickle Lake area early Friday afternoon.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Nick Little, husband of former Sault Ste. Marie resident Kaila Marie Little.

As members of the Northwest Region Emergency Response Team, RCAF 8 Wing Search and Rescue Technicians, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, and the Ontario Provincial Police attempted to reach the wreckage, their efforts were hindered by poor weather and icy conditions.

A news release issued Saturday morning by Wasaya Airways indicated that rescue teams reached the aircraft just before 11 p.m. Friday night and found Captain Little deceased.

Wasaya Airways President and CEO Michael Rodyniuk stated in the release: “We are devastated by the loss of Capt. Little. We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nick’s family.”

(PHOTO: File photo of a Wasaya Airways Cessna 208 Caravan)