NFR Sea plane hits a boat in Vancouver BC
- Thread starter Evan B
- Start date
Non-fishing related
Thank goodness no fatalities! An analysis done by Juan Brown who does aircraft accident analysis videos indicates fault in this incident case is kind of a complex question that will be up to the courts to decide but did not mention or know about the boat operator DUI.
I mean, the plane absolutely has right of way. He can't change course once underway. The boat could easily do a 180.
I’m guessing Transport Canada will rule against the boaters. Pretty well done video, that being said, not trying to be an armchair quarter back of the PIC, only issue I can see is that if at the beginning of the takeoff run and boats were operating in close proximity they could have rejected. GA airplanes can be fairly difficult to see over the cowling especially when operating on water or soft surfaces requiring aft yoke input to further raise the nose.
True, and that area is designated as a runway with aircraft having priority. A DUI makes it worse. Also once underway the Beaver has restricted visibility to the front until it's up to speed with the pontoons on plane.
But in the video, radio traffic of the Cole Harbor ATC clearance to take off advises the pilot of the boat but the aircraft pilot did not acknowledge which would be standard procedure. Also some confusion about which "vessel" had right of way in the regs, but the "runway" designation in Cole probably has plane as the priority.
But in the video, radio traffic of the Cole Harbor ATC clearance to take off advises the pilot of the boat but the aircraft pilot did not acknowledge which would be standard procedure. Also some confusion about which "vessel" had right of way in the regs, but the "runway" designation in Cole probably has plane as the priority.
Interesting situation. Sea planes were never covered in the various rules of the road section of captains school. I wonder if a commercial sea plane pilot is also required to possess a CG captains license.
On the water here in the states there is ultimately no such thing as "right of way" when two vessels collide. Learning which vessel is the stand on vessel in all sorts of various on the water scenarios is a big part of testing for a captains license, however at the end of the day the CG has an ultimate stipulation that basically states that in any potential scenario involving two vessels, BOTH captains are required to operate their vessel in a manner that avoids collision, and in the event of such neither will be let off the hook. Of course that's in the states, does not account for alcohol which is a big no no, and is just what we were taught. I've never gone through any such scenario first hand.
Interesting situation. I've honestly never considered sea planes on the water and where they fall into the rules of the road. We had to learn about all sorts of scenarios but none involved aircraft
On the water here in the states there is ultimately no such thing as "right of way" when two vessels collide. Learning which vessel is the stand on vessel in all sorts of various on the water scenarios is a big part of testing for a captains license, however at the end of the day the CG has an ultimate stipulation that basically states that in any potential scenario involving two vessels, BOTH captains are required to operate their vessel in a manner that avoids collision, and in the event of such neither will be let off the hook. Of course that's in the states, does not account for alcohol which is a big no no, and is just what we were taught. I've never gone through any such scenario first hand.
Interesting situation. I've honestly never considered sea planes on the water and where they fall into the rules of the road. We had to learn about all sorts of scenarios but none involved aircraft
Pescaphile
Steelhead
It's not clear who's to blame but I'd guess both parties.
Seaplanes are explicitly mentioned in Rule 18 of the COLREGs when on the water "to keep well clear of all other vessels" when taking off or landing. When operating on the surface, i.e., taxiing, takeoff, that they are considered a power-driven vessel.
As mentioned above, stand on or give way is secondary to taking action necessary to avoid collision. Neither party seemed to make an effort to avoid contact in this case. If alcohol was a involved on the boaters part as alleged that would definitely factor into the blame but I don't think it would absolve the seaplane pilot from responsibility.
Seaplanes are explicitly mentioned in Rule 18 of the COLREGs when on the water "to keep well clear of all other vessels" when taking off or landing. When operating on the surface, i.e., taxiing, takeoff, that they are considered a power-driven vessel.
As mentioned above, stand on or give way is secondary to taking action necessary to avoid collision. Neither party seemed to make an effort to avoid contact in this case. If alcohol was a involved on the boaters part as alleged that would definitely factor into the blame but I don't think it would absolve the seaplane pilot from responsibility.
Regardless of Right Of Way, I’ve always remembered the most important rule…Avoid Collision. The boat does not seem to be on plane (no pun intended), but the seaplane sure is…I’ve been in the co pilots seat in an Otter several times, and while the view over the engine cowling is somewhat restricted while puttering about, you definitely get a better view when fully powered up to take off…
It is miraculous that no one was seriously hurt or killed
It is miraculous that no one was seriously hurt or killed
