The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is investigating a plane crash on Okanagan Lake on Monday.
The amphibious, ultra-light aircraft ended up partially submerged in the water, upside down, about 300 feet from shore, RCMP estimate.
The 72-year-old pilot, a man from Alberta, and his 59-year-old passenger were picked up soon after the crash by a passing boat, police said.
While the pair were able to walk from the shore to an awaiting ambulance on Sunnyside Road in West Kelowna, police said they were taken to Kelowna General Hospital for medical treatment of what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
The fixed-wing, single-engine airplane is capable of landing on any surface but the pilot had failed to lift the wheels to land on the lake, according to Cst. Mike Gillis who attended the scene.
The RCMP are assisting the TSB in its investigation.
“The crash is not being considered criminal in nature at this time,” RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said of the police involvement in the investigation.
The crashed occurred at 4:56 p.m., which is 14 minutes after the plane took off from Kelowna International Airport, according to data posted at radarbox24.com.
The aircraft, with call letters NB4GJ, is registered through International Air Service Inc. in Carson City, Nevada. Its website states it is a U.S. based registration company for non-U.S. residents to acquire “N” registrations.
Emergency crews responding to the plane crash in Okanagan Lake.The plane was towed to shore and has been recovered and secured by officals.
RCMP are asking witnesses who have yet to speak to police to call the West Kelowna detachment at 250-768-2880.