Hawaii Martin Mars Makes Final Flight

The iconic Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber soared through the skies one last time on Sunday, leaving a crowd of tens of thousands amazed as it made its final flight across Vancouver Island.

Among the spectators was Dean Christie, who remembered being a little boy back in Salmon Arm, watching the plane scoop water from Shuswap Lake to fight a nearby wildfire. This time, he brought his six-year-old son, Andrew, to witness the legendary aircraft’s last landing at Patricia Bay.

The flight began from Sproat Lake, with excited crowds gathering to bid farewell to a plane that has been a vital part of B.C.’s firefighting efforts for more than half a century. The Martin Mars is headed to its new home at the B.C. Aviation Museum, where it will be preserved as a significant piece of history.

Wayne Coulson, the CEO of Coulson Aviation, shared how the send-off at Sproat Lake was a sight to behold, with many boats and fans present. The Martin Mars’s journey took it over many communities, including Comox and Campbell River, where it drew cheers and applause from those below.

As the plane approached Crofton, it was accompanied by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, who were performing nearby. The atmosphere was electric, and people gathered along the shoreline and at Patricia Bay Park to wave goodbye.

<pEventually, the Martin Mars returned for its final descent. The cheers of the crowd resonated against the backdrop of the powerful sound of the plane, which made its last landing at 6:50 p.m., marking a bittersweet moment for all present.

For many, like Wendy Magnes, watching the plane fly for the last time was emotional. Magnes recalled seeing the water bomber flying over Kamloops in the 1970s and felt it was a historic representation of firefighting innovation in B.C. She wiped away tears as the reality of its retirement set in.

The Hawaii Martin Mars has a rich history dating back to its creation by the Glenn L. Martin Company for the U.S. Navy in the 1940s. It was later purchased and converted to a water bomber, joining the ranks of firefighting heroes in the province.

After officially retiring in 2015, the aircraft was maintained and ready for this grand farewell. Peter Killin, the last pilot to fly the plane, expressed his feelings about the aircraft’s legacy and the end of an era.

As the trailer pulls away from the water, it will become the centerpiece of a new exhibition at the B.C. Aviation Museum, scheduled to open later this year. The state has even contributed funds to preserve this aviation gem, ensuring its story is shared with future generations.