Floatplanes Destroyed By Gunfire

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Key Takeaways:

  • Two moored floatplanes, a privately owned Cessna 185 and a De Havilland Beaver owned by the Tataskwayak Cree Nation, were extensively damaged by gunfire overnight on October 4 on Assean Lake in northern Manitoba.
  • Both aircraft sustained multiple bullet holes throughout their fuselages and glass, leading authorities to believe they will be declared total losses.
  • The estimated value of the damaged planes is approximately $850,000, and the RCMP is investigating the incident and appealing for public information.
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Authorities in northern Manitoba say two moored floatplanes were riddled with bullet holes and have likely been written off earlier this month. The privately owned Cessna 185 and a De Havilland Beaver owned by the Tataskwayak Cree Nation were shot overnight Oct. 4 on Assean Lake on the Tataskwayak Nation lands. “Sometime overnight both planes were shot at with a firearm and had multiple bullet holes,” a Royal Canadian Mounted Police statement said. “Due to the damage, both planes will most likely be declared total losses and the value is estimated to be approximately $850,000.00.”

Photos accompanying the press release show bullet holes in the glass and throughout the fuselage of both aircraft including the cowlings. The damage wasn’t reported until the following afternoon so the shots were either not heard or went unreported. The police have issued a public appeal for information.

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
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