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VIDEO: Search to resume for plane that reportedly crashed into Fraser River between Langley and Maple Ridge

High water levels complicating hunt

Next week, the search will resume for an aircraft that reportedly crashed into the Fraser River on June 6 where it runs past Maple Ridge and Langley.

High water levels in the Fraser River have been hampering the effort, according to Const. Julie Klaussner with Ridge Meadows RCMP, who said Monday, June 29, that another sonar search has been scheduled for next week.

“The conditions on the water are the most problematic at this point with the runoff and speed of the water,” Klaussner said.

“Once water levels have lowered it will be more conducive for searching.”

On Monday, the Transportation Safety Board confirmed it will be conducting a “class 4” investigation, the description the agency applies to investigations involving a “measurable level of effort” such as deployment to the occurrence site or a laboratory project.

An emailed response to Langley Advance Times query by the TSB said class 4 investigations “are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations.”

Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days, the agency said.

Neither the TSB or the RCMP could say if any parts of the plane have been recovered.

Attempts to locate the plane using its emergency locator transmitter have been unsuccessful so far.

READ MORE: Search for plane in Fraser River continues five days after crash

READ ALSO: Search for missing plane is familiar territory for Langley man

The small aircraft was reported seen by a witness on Saturday afternoon, June 6, flying low above the Fraser River before it went into the water and disappeared from view in the area of 287th Street and Lougheed Highway, according to RCMP.

Later that same day the Boundary Bay Airport reported a small plane with two people on board was overdue.

RCMP say the overdue plane was similar in size and colour to the one seen by the witness.



dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com

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Dan Ferguson

About the Author: Dan Ferguson

Best recognized for my resemblance to St. Nick, I’m the guy you’ll often see out at community events and happenings around town.
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