KELOWNA, B.C. — A water bomber battling the Terrace Mountain fire near Kelowna, B.C., has crashed into Okanagan Lake.Transportation Safety Board spokesman Bill Yearwood says the pilot is expected to survive. Yearwood says he doesn't know what caused the crash. Just over half the 2,200 people forced from their homes after the fire flared up have been allowed to return home.But they are still on evacuation alert.The fire that now covered 45 square kilometres is only 25 per cent contained.
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An AT-802F Air Boss watertaker crashed into Okanagan Lake near Kelowna, B.C. on Saturday. (Conair website). July 25th, 2009.
Airtanker crashes into B.C. lake near Kelowna
Updated: Sat Jul. 25 2009 14:13:47 ctvbc.ca
An airtanker plane engaged in fighting forest fires in West Kelowna, B.C., crashed into Okanagan Lake on Saturday, CTV News has confirmed. The pilot was able to escape unhurt.Rick Pedersen, a spokesman for Conair, said the plane flipped over at around noon while attempting to scoop up water from the lake. But Pedersen said he doesn't know what caused this to happen.The AT802 Fire Boss plunged into about 110 metres of water, prompting officials from the Canadian Aviation Safety Board to launch an investigation.The Fire Boss loads water at the rate of 40 gallons per second at over 60 miles per hour, according to the Conair website.Powered by a turbine engine, it takes off and lands on the water, at remote strips or at small airports, and offers low vibration and excellent pilot visibility, Conair said.
1 comment:
The plane flipped because the amphibous landing gear was down on the floats. The gear was clealy visible in the GlobalTV video.
The A/C is a modified turbo Thrush crop spraying A/C and has the abilitly like the Twin Canadair planes to scoop up water while planing on the water surface.
Checklists are provided for each pilot when he/she is being cerrtified for the aircraft.
Wheels down for landing on the ground and wheels up when landing on water.
Likely a very embarassed pilot!
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