RCMP remain at the site of a fatal plane crash near Nanaimo, B.C., on Thursday. CBC
A small plane went down southwest of Nanaimo, B.C., early Thursday morning, leaving no survivors. Police responded to the crash site in a wooded area near Twilight Way shortly after 3 a.m. Officers arrived after receiving reports from residents who heard unusual noises in the middle of the night.
Nanaimo RCMP found the aircraft in a large debris field deep in the forest. They secured the area and began gathering information about what happened. Police said the investigation remains active and more details will come as they learn more.
Flight School Confirms Pilot’s Death
Sealand Flight Ltd., a flight training school based in Campbell River, confirmed that one of its pilots died in the crash. The plane involved was a Sealand Flight Cessna 172 on a private flight. The company said the loss struck them hard.
“Aviation is a small community, and Sealand Flight is like a family,” said president Bill Alder. “Our hearts go out to the pilot's family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The school said it plans to share more information once the details become clearer. It did not say whether anyone else was on board. RCMP also did not confirm the number of occupants.
Investigators Begin Their Work
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said it is aware of the crash and has started gathering information from agencies involved. The board will work with police and the flight school to learn what caused the aircraft to go down.
The Nanaimo Airport released a statement saying the incident happened about eight kilometres from the airport grounds. Airport officials said they continue to cooperate with investigators while regular operations move ahead as scheduled.
Residents Describe a Quiet Night Disturbed
Neighbour Tom Palmer lives only a few houses away from the crash site. He said he did not hear an impact, but a strange noise woke him around 3 a.m.
“We were awoken by a loud, kind of rumbling, roaring noise that I just thought was like a Harley Davidson or something ... somebody without a muffler on their truck,” he said.
When he walked over to the site at sunrise, he saw the area sealed off with police tape. The ground was wet with morning mist, but he could see broken pieces of metal, pipes and struts spread across the forest floor.
Palmer said the crash came as a shock. “It's almost surreal because nothing happens out here,” he said. He explained that the neighbourhood sits near rivers and lakes, about 15 kilometres from Nanaimo, and remains mostly quiet year-round.
Community Left in Mourning
The loss of the pilot has touched both the flying community and the local residents. Sealand Flight said it feels the impact deeply. Police plan to stay at the scene as they continue to collect evidence and speak with those who might have heard or seen anything during the early morning hours. Further updates are expected as the investigation moves forward.
