Survivors of a harrowing plane emergency landing incident in Prince George, B.C., where one person lost their life and several others sustained injuries, are recounting their experiences. Jaime Pawliuk, who was on his way to work, described the terrifying moment when the plane approached him suddenly. Despite attempting to swerve away, the wing of the aircraft sheared the top of his vehicle, causing superficial cuts on his hands and showering him with glass. Fortunately, he managed to walk away from the ordeal.
The aircraft involved was a Beech King Air 200, which made the emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard, a major road in Prince George. Pawliuk and other witnesses had to leave their vehicles at the scene as the investigation unfolded. Subsequently, damaged vehicles were removed from the area by flatbed trucks.
Mohit Arora witnessed a pickup truck being struck by the plane’s wing but noted that the driver survived. Photos taken at the scene showed debris embedded in the truck’s windshield, a propeller lying on the road, and a yellow car in a ditch. A family member of the occupants of the yellow car confirmed they were unharmed but had their vehicle damaged by propeller blades.
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) took charge of the investigation and revealed that the plane had departed from Sturdee Airstrip with eight people onboard, heading for Prince George International Airport. The emergency landing was necessitated by engine failure. The TSB clarified that the plane collided with four vehicles on the road, causing the fatality.
Former TSB investigator Bill Yearwood explained the challenging decisions pilots face in emergencies and expressed surprise at the aircraft’s inability to maintain flight with one engine operational. The road where the incident occurred reopened, but recovery efforts were expected to be lengthy. Pawliuk, still shaken by the event, emphasized his gratitude for surviving and expressed condolences for the victim.
The TSB confirmed that the plane had been relocated for assessment, with expectations of a prolonged removal process. Pawliuk, reflecting on the traumatic experience, underscored the gravity of the situation and the lingering impact it has had on him and others involved.