[1] The cause of the accident was determined to be an engine failure, exacerbated by errors made by the crew, who were unable to identify the issue.

[2][4] The aircraft was scheduled to fly from Thunder Bay, in Ontario, to Winnipeg, Manitoba with two stopovers in Sioux Lookout and Red Lake.

The crew's failure to identify the issue resulted in their inability to take the appropriate actions necessary to maintain control of the aircraft and perform a safe landing.

[2][8][9] Shortly after the accident, Bearskin Airlines vice president declared that their biggest concern at the moment were the families of the deceased passengers and employees.

On 11 November, the day following the crash, over 900 utilities in Red Lake remained without power due to the aircraft’s impact with hydro lines during the accident sequence.