Plane Went Down Shortly After The Show Ended

A 1930’s era biplane identified as a de Havilland Dragon Rapide went down at 5:30 p.m. local time Saturday on the runway of Abbotsford International Airport shortly after the Abbotsford International Airshow wrapped up for the day.

Airshow organizers said in a news release that the occupants of the aircraft include the pilot and four adult passengers. All five on board have been taken to hospital by BC Ambulance Service by both air and road; three with non-life threatening injuries, one serious and one critical. In an update posted to Facebook late Sunday, airshow officials said that only two of the five remained in the hospital. Both were stable and recovering, including the pilot, who was originally listed as critical Saturday and underwent surgery Sunday.

The Abbotsford International Airshow had just completed for the day, and many emergency resources were already in place and able to respond immediately.

The accident investigation is in the preliminary stages, and will be conducted by the Transportation Safety Board. Further inquiries regarding the accident are to be forwarded to the TSB.

The airport remained closed until about 9:00 p.m. local time Saturday, and the airshow proceeded as scheduled Sunday.

(Image from YouTube video posted by City News)

FMI: www.abbotsfordairshow.com