Overview of the Incident

A routine flight training session turned into a heartbreaking tragedy on Saturday afternoon, April 5, when a Cessna 172 aircraft crashed near Chilliwack Lake, resulting in the deaths of both the flight instructor and student aboard.

Details of the Crash

The incident occurred around 2:13 p.m. when the plane, operated by Abbotsford-based Chinook Helicopters, suddenly vanished from flight tracking systems. Eyewitness reports indicated a loud noise followed by a plume of smoke above the crash site, approximately 8 km southeast of the picturesque Chilliwack Lake.

Emergency Response

Emergency responders sprang into action shortly after the crash. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Victoria dispatched a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter from Comox, along with a Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) aircraft from Pitt Meadows to aid in the search and recovery operation. Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) teams, organized by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), also joined in the effort following an automated crash notification from an iPhone that alerted authorities.

Recovery and Investigation

CASARA played a crucial role in locating the crash site, and once the devastation was confirmed, the RCMP took over the operation to secure the area. The Chilliwack RCMP has reported that both individuals perished in the tragic crash.

Ongoing Investigations

Investigations are now in motion, with the Transportation Safety Board and the BC Coroners Service collaborating to uncover the causes and contributing factors behind this devastating incident. As communities mourn this loss, questions about aviation safety and training regulations are likely to arise, reigniting discussions on how to prevent such tragedies in the future. Stay tuned for updates as we follow this heartbreaking story.