Skip to content

UPDATE: Lack of fuel caused plane crash in North Vancouver

The Cessna 172 was flying from Tofino to Langley
web1_copy_170612-BPD-M-NorthVan-plane-crash

A Cessna 172 crashed in North Vancouver on Sunday because it ran out of fuel, according to Transportation Safety Board officials.

The four-seater privately owned plane making a round trip from Langley to Tofino crashed just before 4 p.m. during its return flight to Langley.

“The engine lost power and stopped when crossing over the North Shore,” a Transportation Safety Board spokesperson said, adding that one passenger was seriously injured and two others sustained minor injuries.

Transportation officials said that the plane’s right wing fuel tank was completely empty and its left wing fuel tank had a minimal amount of fuel. The investigation is ongoing and it has yet to be determined why the plane ran out of fuel so suddenly.

District of North Vancouver fire department crews responded to the crash. According to North Vancouver RCMP Cpl Michael De Jong, the plane impacted a utility pole during its descent in an industrial area at the foot of Phillips Avenue, near the intersection with McKeen Avenue.

Reports from bystanders say the plane had already tried to make an unsuccessful landing.

web1_170611-BPD-M-Norht-van-plane-crash
Location of crash