Wind, fog may have been factors in Kangirsuk plane crash

The Sûreté du Québec says poor weather may have been a major factor in the plane crash near Kangirsuk that killed three people last week.

"The first element of the investigation indicated that the weather may be a major factor in the plane crash," said Marc Tessier, a communications officer with the Sûreté de Québec. "From what I understand, on that day we had lots of winds and there was heavy fog.

"Every indication is pointing [to] the weather."

Police also confirmed that the twin ­engine plane left from Val-d'Or and stopped to refuel in Radisson — a town of just fewer than 300 people. Tessier couldn't say why the aircraft wasn't on a flight plan.

Robert Drapeau, 48, and his son Alexandre Veilleux, 23, were the passengers on the flight. Both were from Val­-d'Or.

Police confirmed previous comments, from a family member, that Drapeau was on his way to Kangirsuk for work.

The pilot, who was also killed in the crash, was 77-­year-­old Jean Robert Corbin of Winnipeg.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

The Transportation Safety Board said Monday it will not conduct its own full investigation into the crash.