Two Winkler men have perished in a plane crash near Brunkild.

The accident occurred about one mile East of the community Thursday evening.

Early reports indicate the pilot was the owner of a Winkler-based air service, along with a local electrician also from Winkler.

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says the tragedy is devastating to the community.

"We want to remember the families involved," he says. "We are just saddened by what has happened. Our prayers go out on behalf of the families."

Headingley RCMP report on February 9 at 8:50 p.m they received word of an overdue aircraft that left St. Andrews Airport destined for Winkler just after 6:30 p.m.

RCMP officers from Headingley were joined by Carman officers in the search for the Cesna 185 plane.

The search continued with RCMP Search and Rescue and the Canadian Armed Forces Search and Rescue team. Snowmobiles were also deployed though weather conditions created poor visibility.

At approximately 1:05 a.m Friday morning the plane wreckage was found near Brunkild, Manitoba off of Provincial Road 305.

RCMP confirm there were two males on board, both deceased. The 60-year-old and 41-year-old victims were both from Winkler.

"It's going to be a blow to our community," Harder says. "But at the same time we do pull together... we want to support the families and I know the community will rally around them."

The Transportation Safety Board and RCMP continue to investigate.