Investigators in Yukon after plane crash

WHITEHORSE Transportation Safety Board investigators have arrived in Yukon to begin the investigation into Tuesday’s fatal crash of a small plane north of Whitehorse.

The pilot, 24-year-old Shawn Kitchen of Whitehorse, and his passenger, 33-year-old Vancouver-based geologist Julia Lane, died when the Alkan Air Cessna 208 went down in central Yukon.

In a statement issued Friday, Alkan Air CEO Wendy Tayler thanked all those from across Yukon and the country who have offered support during “this heartbreaking time of profound loss and sadness.”

Tayler says now that the safety board investigation is underway, further inquiries about the crash should be directed to that agency.

Yukon Premier Sandy Silver said Wednesday that Yukon’s aviation and mining communities suffered an immeasurable loss when the plane went down.

Lane was vice-president of exploration for Vancouver-based ATAC Resources and a statement released Thursday by the company described her a “rising star” in the industry.

“Julia was beloved by everyone who had the opportunity to work with her and was deeply respected across the industry,” says Rob Carne, ATAC’S former president.

Tayler says grief counsellors are working with Alkan Air employees during this difficult time.

“The love, support and generosity of spirit everyone has demonstrated these past few days is greatly appreciated and makes us feel proud and blessed to be part of such a supportive community,” she says in the statement.

“We all miss Shawn immensely and he will forever be in our hearts.”

The Transportation Safety Board says a team of investigators from Edmonton is gathering information to find the cause of the crash.