Float plane crashes; sinks into Kootenay Lake
By Castlegar Source
An amphibious plane is resting on the bottom of Kootenay Lake today, after an accident yesterday, according to RCMP Sgt. Darryl Little.
“The Nelson RCMP responded to a float plane accident that occurred on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake near Seven Mile on (Sunday) June 23 at approximately 2:45 p.m.,” he said.
“The investigation revealed that a float plane had overturned in the water. The pilot, a 62-year-old resident of Tarrys, had completed a landing and was in the process of lifting off, when the plane struck two or three boat waves, causing the plane to drift and go nose first into the water.”
“The pilot and his 57-year-old female passenger managed to exit the plane and were not injured,” he added.
“Several boaters in the area came to the scene and picked up both individuals returning them to shore. Nelson Search and Rescue attended to help locate and mark the location of the aircraft for investigation by the Transportation Safety Board.”
