Vancouver Harbour Seaplane collision/crash

D

Diatom

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Messages
163
Fluid Motion Model
C-26
Hull Identification Number
FMLC2613A111
Vessel Name
Misty Blue
MMSI Number
316022604
Saw this coming... looks like the pilot was forced to take off prematurely by a runabout crossing his path - didn't make it, clipped the boat, crashed into the sea. Video of the incident shows up on iPhone but won't play on Windows11: https://globalnews.ca/news/10554741/plane-collides-boat-coal-harbour/. Always wondered why seaplanes don't broadcast to marine VHF - though I notice one gets a few seconds warning via radar. Ganges Harbour is a worry - two competing companies and a couple of private pilots flying in/out of busy harbour, plus kayaks/jetskis/boards.

/tmm
 
After watching the video a few times I would have to disagree about the pilot being forced to take off prematurely, the boat was on the starboard side and is considered the Stand-on vessel, whereas the plane was the Give-way vessel and should of aborted the take off. The video showed the boat maintained course and speed. FAR-91.115 Places collision avoidance responsibility on the seaplane pilot, each person operating an aircraft on the water shall keep clear of all vessels and avoid impending there navigation. That said it was a bad accident that could and should of been avoided by keeping alert to what is going on around you. Bob
 
I agree with Bob. From what I can see, the boat was not at fault. If the video had started earlier, it would remove all doubt.
 
I disagree! We don't know the whole story, however the stand-on vessel dose not give them the right to pilot into a collision. Read the regulation again. I would say the boat has some responsibility for the accident due to their inattention to other watercraft around them. Also, the aircraft may be less maneuverable in that situation, which also factors in to the situation. The courts will decide this one.
 
Victoria is in Canada.

They are regulated by Canadian Aircraft Regulations.

SOR/96-433, part III, section 300.08(d)

No personal shall,

* operate any vessel, or cause any obstruction, on the surface of any part of a water area of an aerodrome that is to be kept clear of obstructions in the interest of aviation safety, when ordered, by signal or otherwise, to leave or not to approach that area by the appropriate air traffic control unit or flight service station or by the operator of the aerodrome;

Location of the seaplane runways and associated restrictions are clearly posted on the Port of Victoria Traffic Scheme documentation.

Victoria Harbour is a water airport.
Boaters must keep clear of seaplane runways.
 
Thanks for that post American Flyer!
If you are visiting Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Ganges or even Silva Bay you need to be aware that there’s heavy sea plane traffic, know the takeoff and landing areas and keep your eyes open all the time!
Legalities aside, your boat is MUCH more maneuverable than a seaplane. Visibility, especially forward visibility, on a seaplane is very limited. Do not assume a seaplane sees you or that it can maneuver around you. You do not want to be the boat in that video!
 
The boat was operating in a zone that is also a busy sea plane channel, but it is not “restricted” water as in the boat was not allowed to be there. There a number of marinas totalling probably 1,000 slips, that require to pass through that channel, plus there is a public marine fuel dock that one must travel through the sea plane aerodome to use.

The air traffic controller noted the boats presence - the boat was allowed to be there. The boat was on its course prior to when the seaplane departed too.

It’s a busy spot. Lots going on. This is a tragic reminder that not everyone can see everyone.
 
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