As the world's eye turns to the waters of the Indian Ocean in the search for the missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370, speculations abound about its fate – perhaps too many some say. The massive air search for any sign of debris is reportedly the largest in history, though we don't have any facts to confirm that claim. It brings to mind another search by air that happened eighty years ago – the first in Canadian history. The manhunt for the Mad Trapper of Rat River spanned hundreds of kilometres and used searches by plan and radio communication. It is relatively well known among the public and historians alike as one of Canada's great mysteries. We still don't know the true identity of Albert Johnson and what went through his head during the month-long manhunt through the Canadian arctic that resulted in his death.