6 passengers, pilot OK after seaplane crash in northern BC

Six passengers and the pilot are OK after a seaplane crash in northern B.C.

The Inland Air flight was landing in Kitkatla, near Prince Rupert, Tuesday afternoon when the plane rolled over.

None of the occupants were wearing life jackets but were able to swim to safety. In a Facebook post, Inland Air says they were “quickly rescued by some local mariners from Kitkatla.”

All seven people were flown by helicopter to Prince Rupert for treatment.

Brad Blois, chief pilot of Inland Air, said in the Facebook statement:

The aircraft was well under gross weight and flown by a very experienced Captain with extensive local knowledge. Conditions at the time of landing were challenging with a strong crosswind and wave activity. While a formal investigation is underway initial reports indicate that the aircraft bounced on landing and it is suspected that a float fitting may have suffered damage causing the float to submerge and the aircraft to settle on its left wing after landing and roll over.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: The aircraft was well under gross weight and flown by a very experienc<span class="text_exposed_show">ed Captain with extensive local knowledge. Conditions at the time of landing were challenging with a strong crosswind and wave activity. While a formal investigation is underway initial reports indicate that the aircraft bounced on landing and it is suspected that a float fitting may have suffered damage causing the float to submerge and the aircraft to settle on its left wing after landing and roll over.</span>

The Transportation Safety Board is now looking into what caused the accident.