Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Emergency Plane Landing in Prince George Kills Mother After Aircraft Strikes Cars

The Transportation Safety Board has taken over the probe after preliminary evidence showed one engine lost power and the aircraft was secured for detailed examination.

Overview

  • A Beech King Air 200 carrying two pilots and six passengers declared an emergency after losing power on one engine and made a forced landing on Foothills Boulevard on Aug. 20 that crossed lanes and struck four vehicles, killing driver Alex Garneau.
  • The Transportation Safety Board took control of the investigation, supervised removal of the aircraft to a nearby gravel pit and said its finding that an engine lost power is preliminary with a full technical report expected to take months.
  • All eight people on board were uninjured while first responders treated 10 people at the scene and two victims were taken to hospital in stable condition.
  • Local groups and friends set up fundraising pages that quickly raised six-figure sums to support Garneau’s husband and two children, and sports clubs and neighbours posted tributes describing her as an active coach and volunteer.
  • Investigators note that King Air models are designed to fly on one engine, so they are examining other possible factors such as aircraft control, pilot decision-making, or mechanical issues, and the outcome could prompt closer review of regional charter operations.