SASKATOON – A Saskatchewan pilot had some quick thinking to do as a plane’s engine quit mid-air on his way to Yellowknife, N.W.T.
RCMP in Northwest Territories responded to a call on July 11 involving the emergency landing of an aircraft.
Saskatoon’s Stefan Trischuk was on his way up north for an airshow in his Pitts special biplane when he noticed a fuel problem.
“It was just a rush, the engine didn’t quit right away, it started to sputter and started to surge and then it quit,” said Trischuk.
“At that point, I knew I was going down. I just looked for the most suitable landing area and that was the road and I was just concerned about getting the airplane down safely.”
The pilot informed authorities of the situation and identified a location near the Yellowknife Airport where he could land without endangering the general public.
He landed the plane safely without any injuries.
“I’ve never been happier to have the airplane on the ground,” said Trischuk.
The aircraft’s landing gear was slightly damaged during the landing.
Transport Canada is aware of the incident and will follow up to verify compliance with the Canadian aviation regulations. The department will take appropriate action if it identifies non-compliance.
Trischuk credits his pilot training for the smooth landing. He earned his ultralight pilot license as a teenager and currently holds a commercial pilot license with a multi-engine rating.
These days, he focuses on aerobatic flying.
The pilot already has the plane up and running after sitting out the Yellowknife airshow. His next performances are scheduled on July 19 and 20 in B.C.
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