A warning from the control tower to the pilot was issued just moments before a float plane crashed in Vancouver, according to officials.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, when a Harbour Air float plane carrying six passengers and one pilot crashed into the Fraser River shortly after takeoff from the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre.
According to a statement from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), the control tower had issued a warning to the pilot about a potential issue with the plane’s landing gear. The pilot acknowledged the warning, but unfortunately, the plane crashed before any further action could be taken.
All seven individuals on board were able to safely evacuate the plane and were rescued by nearby boaters. They were then taken to a nearby hospital for medical assessment, but no serious injuries were reported.
The TSB has launched an investigation into the incident and will be examining the wreckage and interviewing witnesses to determine the cause of the crash.
Harbour Air has also released a statement, expressing their relief that all passengers and crew members were able to safely evacuate the plane. They have suspended all flights until further notice and are cooperating with the TSB’s investigation.
This is not the first time a float plane has crashed in Vancouver. In 2019, a Harbour Air float plane crashed into a building near the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, resulting in one death and several injuries.
The safety of float planes has been a topic of concern in recent years, with some calling for stricter regulations and safety measures. The TSB’s investigation into this latest incident will hopefully shed light on any potential issues and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the meantime, the TSB is reminding all pilots to always be vigilant and follow all safety protocols to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers.
