Police have reported that a small plane crash southwest of Nanaimo, B.C., on Vancouver Island resulted in no survivors on Thursday. Nanaimo RCMP received reports of the crash in a wooded area near Twilight Way just outside Nanaimo around 3 a.m. PT. The crash involved a Sealand Flight Cessna 172 on a private flight, and Sealand Flight Ltd., a flight training school based in Campbell River, B.C., confirmed that one of its pilots died in the incident.
The president of Sealand Flight, Bill Alder, expressed devastation over the loss, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of the aviation community and describing Sealand Flight as a close-knit family. The company extended its condolences to the pilot’s family during this challenging time. Further details will be disclosed by Sealand as they become available.
While it remains unconfirmed by Nanaimo RCMP how many individuals were on board the flight, the police located the plane in a significant debris field and are currently conducting an investigation at the scene. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada acknowledged the crash and is collaborating with all involved parties to gather information.
The Nanaimo Airport confirmed awareness of the small aircraft incident, which occurred approximately eight kilometers from the airport. The airport is fully cooperating with the investigation, assuring that airport operations will continue as scheduled.
Neighboring resident Tom Palmer, located near the crash site, mentioned being awakened around 3 a.m. by a loud noise resembling a motorcycle without a muffler. Despite not hearing the crash itself, Palmer discovered the area cordoned off by police tape when he inspected it around 7 a.m. Debris, including metal parts, pipes, and struts, was visible in the misty surroundings. Palmer described the event as surreal, noting the typically tranquil nature of the area located near the mountains and rivers, approximately 15 kilometers from Nanaimo City.