A Wasaya Airways flight bound for a remote Ontario community reversed course 15 minutes after takeoff when a passenger allegedly assaulted someone on board, authorities say.
At a Glance
- A 44-year-old woman is charged with assault and drug trafficking after a Jan. 9 disturbance on Wasaya Airways flight 1643
- The aircraft returned to Sioux Lookout, Ontario, roughly 15 minutes after departure
- Police report finding cocaine on the passenger, leading to an additional trafficking charge
- Why it matters: The incident highlights how quickly in-flight altercations can escalate and force costly emergency returns
The episode unfolded around 5:30 p.m. local time when the scheduled commuter flight left Sioux Lookout Airport en route to Kasabonika Lake, a fly-in community approximately 300 km northeast. Data from FlightAware shows the aircraft climbed, leveled, then looped back to its origin.
Mid-Flight Assault Alleged
About 15 minutes into the journey, the pilot opted to turn the plane around, according to the tracking service. The decision followed what Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) later described as an assault that occurred while the aircraft was airborne.
Officers met the aircraft after it landed. They spoke with a 44-year-old woman whom they allege caused the disturbance. No details have been released about the victim or the nature of the assault.
Drug Trafficking Charge Added
During the interaction, police say they discovered cocaine. The discovery prompted a third charge:
- One count of assault
- One count of assault in an aircraft in flight
- Possession of a Schedule 1 substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking
Authorities released the accused on bail with undisclosed conditions. Court records reviewed by News Of Losangeles list her first appearance as January 19, 2026.
Investigation Continues
“The investigation is ongoing,” an OPP spokesperson told CTV News. Investigators have asked passengers or bystanders who captured video or have other information to contact the Sioux Lookout detachment or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Neither the OPP nor Wasaya Airways provided additional comment to News Of Losangeles before publication time.
Key Takeaways
- The quick turnaround limited the time aloft but still disrupted travel for all on board
- Assault on an aircraft carries specific criminal provisions under Canadian law
- Trafficking allegations can lead to lengthier judicial proceedings than simple possession
The incident remains under review, and no further court updates are expected before the scheduled January appearance.
