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Good morning,
The Fraser Valley is still drying out after a significant atmospheric river event that triggered evacuation alerts along the Chilliwack River and left roads washed out near Cultus Lake. Today we're also looking at the Transportation Safety Board's findings on a fatal plane crash near Chilliwack Lake last April, which found the flight instructor hadn't been adequately trained for mountain flying.
– Emily
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🌤 Local forecast: Langley | Chilliwack | Abbotsford | Hope | Mission
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News & Features
Report on fatal Chilliwack plane crash finds pilot did not follow protocol for mountain flying
Map showing the last portion of the occurrence flight (Source: Google Earth, with TSB annotations)
An investigation into the fatal flying lesson that killed two people near Chilliwack Lake last April has revealed that the instructor had not been adequately trained or prepared for mountain flying.
“The available flight data indicates that several mountain flying best practices were not fully executed,” reads the report from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB).
The instructor had a commercial flying license and had accumulated 1602 hours of flying time. But TSB said they had only done three training flights for mountainous areas, and these “were not intended to fully prepare the instructor for intentional flight” through these locations.
There are no regulations in Canada requiring mountain flying training for private or commercial pilots. TSB says it’s incumbent upon pilots and air operators to ensure they’re prepared for such flights.
Transport Canada has provided guidelines on mountain flying, saying pilots should never fly through the middle of a valley because there often isn't enough space to reverse course.
Need to Know
🌧️ Evacuation alerts for about 30 properties along the Chilliwack River were lifted Saturday after the atmospheric river eased, though the Fraser Valley Regional District warned that landslide risk can persist for up to two weeks after significant rainfall. [Canadian Press]
🌊 Climate change is making atmospheric rivers more frequent and intense, but B.C. has yet to fund the implementation of a flood strategy developed in 2024 — a gap experts say leaves communities increasingly vulnerable. [The Narwhal]
🚛 A commercial truck driver struck the CP Rail overpass on Highway 1 in Langley on Thursday and initially left the scene, but turned themselves in to police the following morning and is cooperating with investigators. [CityNews]
🔥 A large barn fire near 256 Street and 24 Avenue in Langley kept roughly 30 Township firefighters busy Saturday, though no animals or people were injured; the structure was a total loss. [CTV News]
🔍 A man reported to be carrying a handgun at Berry Park in Abbotsford Friday night fled from officers and remains at large, though police say they cannot confirm whether the item was a real firearm. [Fraser Valley Today]
📚 UFV's Hope Centre is rebuilding its programming after going quiet during the pandemic, adding bookkeeping, English language learning, and hybrid delivery options following a community needs assessment. [UFV]
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🗓 Things to do
Abbotsford Film Festival: The 7th edition of the Abbotsford Film Festival runs March 26–28 at The Reach Gallery Museum, featuring three days of independent film screenings, workshops, and panels.
Wish You Were Here: The Valley Concert Society presents soprano Suzie LeBlanc and an ensemble of Baroque musicians at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium on March 27, with a program spanning early classical arias, Bach sonatas, and Acadian and Irish folk tunes.
Easter Egg Hunt at Greendale Acres: Head to Greendale Acres for Easter fun March 27–29 and April 2–5, with family-friendly farm activities, face painting, and festive treats; online tickets are $3 less than at the door.
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