UPDATE: The Canadian Armed Forces has confirmed the body found Thursday was missing pilot Scott Schneider. His Cessna 172 was found by Royal Canadian Air Force Search and Rescue Technicians south of Oldman Lake using local radar logs from a nearby airport.
CBC News has confirmed one of Schneider’s dogs was also on board and did not survive the crash. The pair were reported missing Monday when the pilot didn’t show up for work, and an extensive search has been underway since.
“We would like to thank the communities for their support through phoning in with search tips and respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” says Searchmaster of 1 Canadian Air Division Major Gerry Favre. “We also thank the RCMP and local CASARA volunteers for their tireless efforts over the past several days. While this is not the outcome we hoped for, we hope it brings closure to the family and friends of Mr. Schneider. The thoughts of the entire search team are with the family right now.”
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation.
RCMP can’t say yet whether a wreckage found Thursday is that of a plane that went missing earlier this week. Mayerthorpe RCMP say search and rescue technicians spotted the wreckage in a wooded area of rural Lac Ste. Anne County around 4:30 p.m. It sustained significant damage and a body was found at the scene.
On Tuesday, mounties had asked land owners in the area to be on the lookout for a plane that left Edson for Westlock late Sunday and never arrived. Corporal Chris Warren says search and rescue was looking for that plane when it found the wreckage.
“We’re exploring all possibilities,” he explains, noting it’s too early to identify the aircraft or the deceased.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is now investigating. An update is expected, but not before Friday.
