From the Westcoaster.ca published today:
Atleo Air Owner Speaks About Crash Investigation, Reaction From Community
Published Date: 2010/6/2 10:52:18
Article ID : 7873
Version 1.00
By Keven Drews
TOFINO — Within 36 hours of a crash that claimed the lives of a float-plane pilot and his three passengers, the small community of Ahousat was rallying behind the victims’ families. More than 300 people turned out Sunday night to the Thunderbird Hall in Ahousat to support the families and coworkers of pilot Damon York, 33, Katrina English (Sam), 22, Edward Sam, 28 and Samantha Mattersdorfer, 24. The four died Saturday afternoon when the Atleo River Air Service Cessna 185 they were in crashed into the ocean near Ahousat. “That’s just how the community pulls together,” said Jason Bertin, owner of Atleo River Air Service. “It was very emotional for everybody.”
Attending the event were York’s father and mother, sister, partner Rima Mara, and co-workers, family members and friends of English, Sam and Mattersdorfer, as well as hereditary chiefs and elected council members. Band members fed the guests salmon, pasta and a variety of other dishes and gave speeches.
At one point, said Bertin, hereditary chiefs placed traditional native blankets on the family members of those lost in the crash. “Time was at a standstill,” added Misty Lawson, also of Atleo River Air Service.
Bertin said he left with one message: take care, walk slow and keep your children as close to you as you can.
Back in Tofino, meantime, community members began decorating the pilot’s Toyota 4Runner, which was parked on Main Street, with flowers. The events were brief bright spots in a weekend dominated by tragedy. Saturday’s crash took place just after noon – only minutes after the plane took off for Ahousat from Tofino on an approximately six-minute flight. Emergency officials have reported the plane nose dived into the water. By 1:30 p.m., said Bertin, Transportation Safety Board officials were talking to Atleo Air.
Bertin said investigators know the engine was running at power. He said they also found the control and surface cables still intact. The company recently put in new cables and replaced the top end of the engine, said Bertin.
“They did come up with some alcohol on board,” he added. Just how much, Bertin doesn’t know.
“What is reported is two bags, and what was in those they don’t know.” Running rampant around town now are rumors alcohol somehow played a role in the accident, and Bertin said people are beginning “to paint an ugly picture.” “We hear the same rumours about the alcohol as everybody else has,” he added. “It’s important to focus on all the factors. “We don’t want people to run wild with this alcohol thing. If it’s the case, it may come out.” What’s important, he said, is finding a cause of the accident.
Meantime, Bertin and Lawson spoke highly of York’s worth ethic. Bertin said he hired York about four years ago as a mechanic and called him a talented aircraft engineer. Lawson said he was extremely smart and could “fix and solve problems like nobody we’ve ever known.” “Damon was a good, safe pilot,” she said. “He knew what he was doing and he was cautious.”
“He was a big part of Atleo Air.”
Remains of the plane are currently at the TSB in Richmond. “It’s been horrible,” said Bertin, when asked to describe the last few days. “There’s been moments when I can’t describe it without stumbling with description. “I just can’t believe it happened. You try to sleep and you just don’t know if you’re dreaming or awake.”
A memorial service will take place Friday at 3 p.m. in Tofino at the Royal Legion, 331 Main St.
A Facebook page has also been set up for York. Visit it at
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=1 ... 7821099..1
