||| FROM KIM KIMPLE for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE |||
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue career and volunteer staff responded with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office yesterday afternoon to reports of a downed aircraft south of the airport. Fire and EMS crews arrived to find a Cessna Grand Caravan intact with damage to the propeller located in a grass field adjacent to the airport just south of Mount Baker Road. Crews worked quickly to assess patients and prepare for fire suppression, if needed. No injuries were reported by the pilot or the nine passengers onboard and there was no fire development.
The aircraft, which was on all wheels and had not gained altitude, reportedly experienced a mechanical power failure at takeoff causing it to continue through the fence and across the road, where it came to a stop in the field. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue first responders routinely complete training exercises for incidents such as this, ensuring personnel are equipped and ready to respond to all incidents. If you are interested in becoming an EMT or Firefighter with Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, visit www.orcasfire.org to learn more.
Photo: Bob Phalan
Thank you to all responders !
The pilot did a great job landing the plane safely !
First – I’m very glad no one was injured.
Second – It is a probably not a ‘landing’ if the plane never actually got off the ground.
Third – I’m concerned the FAA is going to make yet another push to force us to re-route Mt. Baker Rd away from the south end of the runway because of this incident.