An airplane rests along the shore of Pitt River on Thursday, August 9th after the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing after discovering a fuel leak on his way to Squamish.
The two men on board the small private airplane were forced to make an emergency landing on a trip from Pitt Meadows to Squamish after they smelled fuel and noticed a leak. Losing fuel rapidly, they were able to land along the rocky shore, although the impact of the landing sheared off the landing gear. They were able to get out of the plane uninjured and activated their emergency beacons. The signals were picked up by aircraft in the local area which relayed to Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria.
JRCC Victoria requested a 442 Squadron Cormorant helicopter, based at 19 Wing Comox, to respond.
After homing in on the emergency beacons, the Cormorant set down at approximately 7:40 p.m. and found both occupants well-prepared for rescue.
“They had a fire already made and were prepared to spend the night if needed,” said Captain Jean Leroux, aircraft commander. “The pilot had never had something like this happen and they were very glad to see us.”
After loading the men into the helicopter, the search and rescue crew dropped the men off at the Squamish Airport.
