Rescue 807: Tragedy in Kananaskis
In the rugged terrains of Kananaskis Country, Alberta, June 1986 witnessed a sequence of heartrending events that profoundly impacted the 418 Squadron and the broader search and rescue community. Known as the Rescue 807 Crashes, this series of accidents involved three aircraft and claimed the lives of thirteen individuals, marking one of the darkest periods in the history of Canadian aerial search operations.
The Unfolding of Tragedy
The sequence of tragedies began with a Cessna 182-R piloted by Ken Wolff, who was transporting wildlife biologist Orval Pall. They were monitoring bighorn sheep in the Rockies as part of an environmental study related to the upcoming 1988 Winter Olympics. Their aircraft went down on a forested slope of Mount Kidd, remaining undetected initially due to its fragmented wreckage under the dense canopy.
In response, a Cessna 185 piloted by Bruce Pratt with two spotters aboard took to the skies to aid in the search. Tragically, this plane too met with disaster, crashing into Mount Lougheed and killing all three aboard. The wreckage of Pratt’s plane was located three days later, but Wolff and Pall remained missing.
A Cascade of Misfortune
The search efforts escalated with multiple agencies joining forces. On June 14, 1986, a Canadian Armed Forces de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, call sign "Twin Otter 807," with eight people onboard, crashed while participating in the search. The accident, attributed to an optical illusion caused by the sun’s angle, resulted in the immediate loss of all aboard and sparked a small forest fire.
Commemoration and Reflection
The aftermath of these events led to a significant outpouring of grief and the reevaluation of search and rescue operations in challenging environments. In remembrance of those who lost their lives, three mountain lakes were renamed "Memorial Lakes." A stone cairn placed by one of the lakes bears the names of the thirteen victims, serving as a solemn reminder of the perils faced by those who venture into the wilderness to help others.
On the 30th anniversary of these tragic events, the 418 Squadron Association held a commemoration ceremony outside the Alberta Aviation Museum. Family members, former squadron colleagues, and the community gathered to honour the memories of the fallen, reflecting on the sacrifices made in the line of duty and the enduring legacy of those who serve.
Legacy of Heroism
The Rescue 807 Crashes underscore the inherent risks of search and rescue operations, especially in the unforgiving terrain of the Rocky Mountains. They remind us of the courage and commitment of those who put their lives on the line to help others. The 418 Squadron continues to honor their bravery, ensuring that the lessons learned and the spirits of those lost continue to influence and inspire future generations of SAR personnel.
At the historical organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of 418 Squadron, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those involved in the Rescue 807 missions. Their commitment to saving lives, often under perilous conditions, embodies the spirit of service that defined the squadron. Annually, we reflect on these events not only to remember the fallen but also to underscore the lessons learned and the enduring commitment to enhancing the safety of current and future search and rescue missions.