Skip to main content

Floatplane flips on takeoff in Tofino, crew and passengers unhurt

Share
Victoria -

A floatplane crashed into a sandbar and flipped Monday morning in Tofino’s harbour, according to first responders.

Tofino Fire Chief Brent Baker says the crash happened around 11:30 a.m.

"The four passengers and the pilot all walked away under their own power with minor cuts and bruises," said Baker.

Images and video from the scene show the small floatplane on its roof in shallow water.

A police rescue boat and coast guard vessels were seen assisting the passengers and pilot.

Atleo River Air Services Ltd has confirmed the aircraft is part of its coastal fleet.

"Unfortunately, one of our most experienced pilots was taking off and hit a sandbar," an Atleo representative told CTV News Vancouver Island.

"It tipped the aircraft over. All the passengers are OK," said the representative.

CTV has reached out to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada for further details.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BREAKING

BREAKING Feds cutting 5,000 public service jobs, looking to turn underused buildings into housing

Five thousand public service jobs will be cut over the next four years, while underused federal office buildings, Canada Post properties and the National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa could be turned into new housing units, as the federal government looks to find billions of dollars in savings and boost the country's housing portfolio.

Stay Connected