Sask. mining company regroups after owner killed in B.C. plane crash

The company of a well-known Saskatchewan mining contractor who died in a plane crash in B.C. is aiming to help the families of the four other individuals hurt in the crash.

Leonard Banga was piloting his de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver float plane when it crashed 80 kilometresnorth ofAnahimLake,560 kilometres southwest of Prince George, on Monday morning.Four passengerswere airlifted out of the area and are still in hospital.

Banga's family and business,Xtreme Mining Group of Companies, issued a statement on Wednesday.

"Xtreme will work with and assist the families of those still hospitalized and wishes them a speedy and complete recovery," the statement said.

The companyis taking a few days to regroup but is continuing its business operations as usual.

The rescue effort was a joint operation between the Canadian Forces 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron out of Comox and the provincial air ambulance service.

After receiving the call that the plane had gone down, three Search and Rescue techs parachuted into the area. An air ambulance followed soon afterwards.

It's still not known what caused the crash. The Transportation Safety Board is sending three investigators to the scene.

Local airpark

Banga had recently bought a rural airpark just outside of Saskatoon, and was well-known in the local flying community.

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