Glad I’m not the only person thinking that! Plus, the chances of the searching interfering with the task of flying are increased!
There is a VERY high probability that the AC was enroute to the area to pickup local Law Enforcement or Local Search Teams who are familiar with the local area. This is very common in Canada.
The fact that it says it was on a search is more then likely meant to imply that it had been tasked on a search but had yet to retrieve the observers. Or the aircraft as stated was heading toward the airport to refuel and the observers had been left behind to be retrieved after refueling.
Things are not always as they read in news reports or first press releasing from TSB. Well, at least not here in Canada. Maybe on the other side of the pond your reporting is always accurate
