TSB rules fuel-flow problem likely forced pilot to land on Osoyoos highway

OSOYOOS – An investigation has determined that trouble with the flow of fuel into the engine of a small plane likely forced the pilot to land on Highway 97 near Osoyoos last year.

The privately operated Beechcraft A36 took off on July 7, 2015, from the Oliver airport for Boundary Bay airport in Delta, but lost power just six minutes later.

The pilot was the only person on board and had to land on the highway, where his plane hit a truck, then a power pole and burst into flames.

The pilot made it out of the burning plane but suffered serious burns.

A Transportation Safety Board report has determined the engine of the plane was likely starved of fuel because of a vapour lock, when fuel normally in a liquid form changes to vapour while still in the fuel delivery system.

The TSB says the pilot had experienced similar engine trouble on previous flights and was able to regain power but did not have that chance this time, forcing him onto the highway.