( CNN ) -- A plane carrying three Canadians across Antarctica is unaccounted for , and inclement weather is impeding the search for the aircraft , New Zealand officials said . The emergency locator transmitter on the Twin Otter aircraft activated at 10 p.m. Wednesday ( 4 a.m . ET ) from within New Zealand 's Antarctic rescue area , a Maritime New Zealand statement said . The plane was flying from the South Pole to an Italian base at Terra Nova Bay , Maritime New Zealand said . Planes and helicopters in New Zealand are ready to search , but `` weather conditions are extremely challenging , '' said John Ashby , a search and rescue mission coordinator for Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand . `` There are winds of 90 knots at the site , and conditions are forecast to worsen with snow becoming heavier . '' The plane has survival equipment and supplies for five days , Ashby said . Canadian , U.S. and Italian authorities are also involved , the statement said .
Three Canadians were flying from the South Pole to Terra Nova Bay in Antarctica . The plane did not arrive , and the emergency locator activated , New Zealand officials said . Bad weather is preventing search aircraft from heading to the area , officials said .