Police have reported that a small aircraft crashed with no survivors southwest of Nanaimo, B.C., on Vancouver Island Thursday. The Nanaimo RCMP responded to the crash site near Twilight Way, just outside Nanaimo, around 3 a.m. PT Thursday. The crash involved a Sealand Flight Cessna 172 on a private flight, resulting in the tragic death of one of Sealand Flight Ltd.’s pilots.
Bill Alder, the president of Sealand Flight, expressed deep sorrow, describing the aviation community as a close-knit family. He extended condolences to the pilot’s family during this challenging period. Sealand Flight has indicated that further information will follow once available.
Investigations are ongoing as to whether there were additional occupants on the flight, as neither Sealand nor the Nanaimo RCMP have confirmed the total number of individuals aboard. The plane was discovered in a significant debris field, with authorities conducting on-site inquiries.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has acknowledged the incident and is collaborating with all involved parties to gather relevant details. The Nanaimo Airport has acknowledged the small aircraft crash, which took place approximately eight kilometers away from the airport. Airport operations will continue as scheduled while cooperating with the ongoing investigations.
Local resident Tom Palmer, residing near the crash site, mentioned being awakened around 3 a.m. by a rumbling noise but did not hear the crash itself. He later observed the area cordoned off with police tape, noting the presence of debris such as metal, pipes, and struts. Palmer described the event as surreal, highlighting the typically tranquil nature of the area, located about 15 kilometers from Nanaimo City.
The community remains in shock following the tragic incident, with investigations and support efforts underway to address the aftermath of the plane crash.