Wapiti Aviation's Flight 402: A Tale of Survival

What would you do if your plane crashed in the remote Canadian wilderness? How would you survive the freezing temperatures and treacherous conditions while waiting for rescue?

In her gripping book Into the Abyss, Carol Shaben recounts the harrowing tale of Wapiti Aviation's Flight 402 crash. You'll discover the incredible story of survival, heroism, and the subsequent investigation that exposed troubling safety practices in the aviation industry.

Keep reading to learn about the four survivors' fight for life and the far-reaching consequences of that fateful night.

The Crash of Wapiti Aviation Flight 402

On a fateful night, Wapiti Aviation's Flight 402 plummeted from the sky, crashing into the dense Canadian wilderness. The impact was devastating, ripping off sections of the right wing and vertical stabilizer as the plane hurtled through treetops at 175 knots. As it careened over the forest, the aircraft shed parts like confetti - engine cover, cabin glass, and wing segments - before finally slamming into the ground.

The plane came to rest upside down, its right front section mangled beyond recognition. Four survivors emerged from the wreckage, each bearing their own injuries and trauma. Erik, the pilot, tasted blood in his mouth and struggled to breathe. Paul Archambault's face was a mask of blood. Larry, without his glasses, fumbled blindly in the darkness. And Scott Deschamps lay paralyzed, his chest dangerously unstable from the impact.

The Race Against Time

As news of the crash spread, rescue efforts sprang into action. Peace River Flight Service reached out to military personnel and the RCMP. A pilot initiated MAJAID, a major disaster response coordinated by the Canadian military's Rescue Coordination Centre in Edmonton. On the ground, RCMP officer Hoppy led a snowmobile pursuit, guided by volunteer pilot Dave Heggie.

But Mother Nature seemed determined to thwart their efforts. Thick fog, heavy snow, and freezing rain created a near-impenetrable barrier. Emergency signals were intermittent at best, leaving rescuers to navigate treacherous terrain with little to guide them. Every passing minute increased the danger for the survivors huddled in the wreckage.

Survival Against All Odds

In the face of overwhelming odds, the survivors banded together. Paul Archambault emerged as an unlikely hero, tirelessly gathering firewood to keep a life-saving blaze burning. He distributed empty briefcases as makeshift seats and urged everyone to contribute to the fire's maintenance.

The group battled hypothermia, pain, and exhaustion as the hours ticked by. Their bodies shook uncontrollably as the cold seeped into their bones. Yet, they refused to give up. They shared stories, cracked jokes, and clung to the hope of rescue. Scott's calm demeanor provided a psychological anchor, while Larry, despite his injuries, helped gather wood.

The Aftermath and Investigation

When rescue finally came, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. The Canadian Aviation Safety Board (CASB) launched a thorough investigation into Wapiti Aviation's operations. What they uncovered was troubling: repeated safety violations, neglected maintenance checks, and a culture that often prioritized schedules over safety.

Erik Vogel, the pilot, found himself at the center of the investigation. He admitted to navigation errors, citing job-related stress and fatigue. The inquiry shed light on the grueling conditions faced by Wapiti's pilots, including inflexible schedules and chronic exhaustion.

Legal Repercussions

The crash set off a chain of legal actions. Wapiti Aviation faced lawsuits alleging willful misconduct or reckless disregard for safety. The Canadian government, too, was successfully sued for regulatory negligence, establishing a legal precedent for air travel incidents in the country.

Erik Vogel's legal troubles mounted. He faced potential criminal charges and was even briefly wanted for contempt of court after missing a hearing. In December 1985, he appeared in court to address the outstanding warrant, acknowledging his role in the events of that fateful night.

Lives Forever Changed

For the survivors, the crash was a turning point that reshaped their lives in profound ways.

Erik Vogel struggled to rebuild his aviation career, facing ostracism and repeated rejections. Despite the setbacks, he remained passionate about flying and became a vocal advocate for improved safety measures, particularly regarding pilot fatigue. His colleagues at West Coast Air, where he eventually found work as a second-in-command pilot, nicknamed him "Mr. Safety" for his unwavering commitment to protocols.

Scott Deschamps embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. The near-death experience led him to reassess his priorities, focusing on family bonds and personal relationships. He even reconnected with his estranged paternal family, finding a sense of belonging he'd long been missing.

Larry Shaben's faith deepened in the wake of the crash. He became a respected figure in Edmonton's Muslim community, working tirelessly to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding. His efforts extended beyond religious circles, as he championed initiatives to combat poverty and homelessness in the city.

The Ongoing Safety Debate

The Wapiti Aviation crash highlighted the precarious balance between operational demands and safety concerns in the aviation industry, particularly for small regional airlines. Pilots often face pressure to fly in dangerous conditions to meet tight schedules, sometimes pushing the limits of what's considered safe.

The incident also exposed gaps in regulatory oversight. Transport Canada's decisions to suspend flights after missed inspections and restrict access to aviation incident records pointed to a need for stricter enforcement of safety standards.

For Wapiti Aviation, these challenges were particularly acute. The company's management often found itself at odds with safety regulations, creating a culture where pilots felt pressured to prioritize schedules over safety. This tension was exacerbated by the harsh realities of operating in remote, unforgiving environments with limited infrastructure.

The story of Wapiti Aviation Flight 402 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in aviation. It's a tale of survival against incredible odds, but also a cautionary narrative about the potentially devastating consequences when safety takes a back seat to operational pressures.