Two Albertans killed in plane crash near Tofino
By Castlegar Source
The Tofino RCMP and BC Coroners Service are currently at the site of a fatal plane crash on Vargas Island, located northwest of Tofino, BC.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 14, the Tofino RCMP were notified by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre that a twin engine ‘Cessna 421 B’ aircraft had gone missing in the area of Vargas Island.
The aircraft had two people on board, believed to be a father and his 25-year-old son.
The Tofino and Ahousaht RCMP, along with RCMP West Coast Marine Services, joined search efforts on the water and ground. Weather conditions at the time, and throughout the evening, caused reduced visibility and hampered search efforts.
At 7 a.m., search crews resumed their search for the missing aircraft. At 9:25 a.m., the wreckage of the aircraft was located by search crews from 19 Wing Comox (Royal Canadian Air Force). Both occupants were located at the scene, deceased. The crash site is located in a treed area, approximately 2,000 feet inland, on the south side of Vargas Island.
Flight plan data indicates that the flight originated from Lethbridge, Alta., and was inbound to Tofino following an earlier stop in Abbotsford. Both occupants were residents of Alberta. RCMP Officers in Alberta are currently notifying next of kin, therefore, no names will be released at this time.
Presently, Tofino RCMP officers and the BC Coroners Service are at the crash site. The Transportation Safety Board has been notified.
The RCMP is acting in an assistance role to the BC Coroners Service and the Transportation Safety Board, as they conduct investigations into this crash.
