Investigators are trying to determine what sank the back half of a $1.6 million seaplane moored at the Vancouver Convention Centre's new terminal last night, in what is the latest hurdle for the facility floatplane operators still refuse to use as design flaws are studied.
Photograph by: Submitted, PNG
Investigators are trying to determine what sank the back half of a $1.6 million seaplane moored at the Vancouver Convention Centre's new terminal last night, in what is the latest hurdle for the facility floatplane operators still refuse to use as design flaws are studied.
The DeHavilland single Otter, owned by Harbour Air, was docked there overnight to test the unopened facility’s safety and suitability for seaplane use.
“We have had long-standing concerns about the design, safety and exposure of the VHFC terminal to waves and wakes,” said Harbour Air/Westcoast Air CEO Greg McDougall in a press release. “This morning, we were told that the aircraft we were asked to place at the dock was sinking. In our 30-year history of operating out of Vancouver Harbour, we have never had an aircraft sink at our docks. We will be working with investigators to determine the cause of this incident.”
No passengers or employees were on board the plane when its back end sank.
On Thursday night, the Otter had its ropes snapped while moored at the same dock, an incident Harbor Air said "may have been caused by wave or wake action."
The floatplane was recently serviced and had survived two days intact when it was docked at the company's temporary facility in Coal Harbour under near identical weather conditions, according to the airline.
“Our maintenance personnel are investigating the incident, to determine the cause of the aircraft sinking,” McDougall said in a press release. “In the first two days we have placed an aircraft at this new facility, for testing, we have had two serious incidents. We believe rigorous testing of the VHFC seaplane docks should continue to determine its suitability for use.”
In September, McDougall told The Sun the height of the docks coupled with the wave action at the new terminal had him wondering whether it is suitable at all for float planes.
http://www.vancouversun.com
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