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Summit plane makes emergency landing Elevator problem causes 'minor vibration'Sarah Ferguson Northern News Services Published Friday, July 8, 2011
Only the pilot, co-pilot and a mechanic were aboard the Dornier - which can normally carry up to 19 passengers - when the emergency occurred. They were en route to Baker Lake with two secured 25-gallon barrels of methyl hydrate, used to de-ice planes and keep aviation fuel from freezing. "We were about 15 miles out on a climb to Baker Lake, when we felt a minor vibration in the plane's elevator system," said the pilot, who asked not to be identified. "The system is responsible for allowing the plane to lift into the air, or come down." The pilot said he initially thought the reason for the vibration was because the airplane had hit a bird. "I slowed the plane down and investigated the system's controls before making the decision to declare an emergency and make a landing," he said. Despite the problem, the pilot was able to land the Dornier safely. Steve Loutitt, the airport manager, said emergency crews were dispatched to the scene immediately and were also available after the plane landed. "We ensured that no psychological stress had occurred during the incident," he said. "These calls are fairly routine and rarely turn tragic, but an emergency situation can be traumatic for the people involved just the same. "Everyone was safe, and that's always a good thing," he added. "We have a great crew up here."
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