Survivors of a harrowing plane emergency landing in Prince George, B.C., which resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries, are recounting their experiences.
Jaime Pawliuk, who was en route to work on Thursday afternoon, described the heart-stopping moment when the plane approached him suddenly. Despite attempting to evade the aircraft by swerving into a ditch, the wing of the plane tore off the top of his vehicle, showering him with glass. Fortunately, Pawliuk sustained only minor cuts and was able to walk away from the incident. Photos shared by him depicted the wreckage of his vehicle, including a shattered sunroof and a metal rod piercing the passenger seat.
The emergency landing of the twin-engine Beech King Air 200 aircraft occurred just before 2:30 p.m. PT on Foothills Boulevard, a major road linking various residential areas in Prince George. Pawliuk and other witnesses had to abandon their vehicles at the crash site during the ongoing investigation. The following day, damaged vehicles were removed from the scene by flatbed trucks.
Witness Mohit Arora recounted seeing a pickup truck struck by the plane’s wing, with the driver surviving the impact. Images shared by Arora showed debris penetrating the truck’s windshield, a propeller lying on the road, and a yellow car in a ditch.
According to a family member, the occupants of the yellow car escaped unscathed despite being forced off the road, with propeller blades damaging their vehicle’s roof.
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) disclosed that the plane, carrying two crew members and six passengers, departed from Sturdee Airstrip and was en route to Prince George International Airport when one of its engines malfunctioned, necessitating the emergency landing. The TSB investigation is ongoing to document the scene, collect evidence, and conduct interviews.
TSB records revealed that the aircraft, manufactured by Beech Aircraft Corp. in 1980, is presently registered to Sekani Air Ltd., a local charter flight company. No injuries were reported among the occupants of the plane, which was chartered for the flight.
Ten individuals were assessed for injuries, with two hospitalized in stable condition and one person, presumably from a vehicle struck by the plane, tragically losing their life.
Former TSB investigator Bill Yearwood commented on the split-second decisions pilots face during emergencies, emphasizing the challenge of making quick, high-stakes choices. He highlighted the puzzling aspect of the plane’s inability to remain airborne with a functioning engine.
Efforts to recover the plane are expected to be protracted, as it has been relocated to a temporary storage facility for assessment and securement. Witnesses and those impacted by the crash are still reeling from the incident, seeking answers and support to cope with the aftermath. Pawliuk expressed his shock and gratitude for surviving while mourning the deceased victim and contemplating the gravity of the event.
