One pilot is dead after two Cessna 172s from two different flight schools collided near the Chilliwack Airport Monday in southwestern British Columbia. Airport spokesman Garry Atkins said one of the planes ended up in a quarry pond near the airport while the pilot of the other aircraft was able to land safely at Chilliwack and both people on that plane were unhurt. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police later confirmed the pilot of the plane in the pond died in the accident and they were working to recover his body and the wreckage of the plane.
Chilliwack is about 60 miles east of Vancouver in the Fraser Valley and airports in that area have a high concentration of flight schools and training traffic. The names of the people involved and the flight schools have not been released. The accident happened about 5:20 p.m. on Monday.
No eyes looking out windows. No ADS-B or lack of attention. Condolences to family RIP
Reduced visibility due to wildfire smoke, haze and warmer temperatures. The lower mainland can become busy with several practice areas nearby and the B.C. day long weekend adding congestion to the mix. Sad.