A missing-person report led police to the discovery of a plane crash on the runway at Merritt Airport early Monday morning.
Merritt RCMP Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey said police received the missing-persons report at 12:14 a.m., with the investigation leading an officer to Merritt Airport, where he discovered the wreckage of a small white and green plane on the tarmac.
O'Donaghey said the officer found the man, the subject of the missing-person report, trapped inside the single-occupant aircraft and immediately called the Merritt Fire Department and paramedics for help.
Merritt Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson said the pilot — a Merritt man in his 60s — was taken to hospital by ambulance at 1a.m. He was last reported to have serious injuries.
“We extricated the lone occupant, which was the pilot, using hydraulic rescue tools, or the Jaws of Life,” Tomkinson said.
Transport Canada officials are investigating the cause of the crash.
Any witnesses to the crash who have not already spoken to police are asked to call Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.
