The body of a pilot reported missing Wednesday near Sayward has been discovered along with the wreckage of his small aircraft on Mount H’Kusam, Sayward RCMP reported Friday.
Efforts were still under way Friday to recover the body from the steep, mountainous terrain. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The discovery came following a coordinated search involving the RCMP, Canadian Coast Guard and the 442 Squadron Search and Rescue (SAR), CFB Comox.
The search was initially hampered by strong winds and a low cloud cover that reduced visibility. But early Friday, SAR members were able to rappel to the remote crash site and confirm a single deceased male at the location.
The flight had originated in Bellingham, Wash., and the pilot was en route to Alaska.
The B.C. Coroners Service is currently conducting an investigation with assistance from the RCMP and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
