A private aircraft crashed in a wooded area south of Nanaimo early Thursday morning, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot, authorities confirmed.
Early Morning Tragedy
The fatal incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025, when a Cessna 172 operating on a private flight went down. Campbell River-based Sealand Flight Ltd., which operated the aircraft, confirmed the crash and the pilot's death in an official statement.
RCMP remained at the crash scene throughout Thursday afternoon as the investigation continued. The crash site was located in the 2700 block of Twilight Way in Nanaimo, according to emergency services.
Emergency Response and Investigation
B.C. Emergency Health Services dispatched multiple resources to the scene, including an air ambulance, two ground ambulances, and a paramedic supervisor. Despite the comprehensive response, no patients were transported to hospital due to the severity of the incident.
Sealand Flight Ltd. President Bill Alder expressed the company's profound grief in a heartfelt statement. "We are devastated," Alder said. "Aviation is a small community, and Sealand Flight is like a family. Our hearts go out to the pilot's family during this incredibly difficult time."
About the Flight Company
Sealand Flight operates from multiple locations across Vancouver Island, including Nanaimo, Courtenay, Qualicum Beach and Powell River. The company provides various aviation services including flight training, charters, and aircraft rentals.
Notably, the company recently achieved certification as Canada's first flight school for training in electric planes, marking a significant milestone in sustainable aviation education.
Alder indicated that no additional information was immediately available and promised to provide further details as they become known through the ongoing investigation.
