PORT OF FRIDAY HARBOR

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List of news stories about the Port of Friday Harbor

Pintail rescues flipped floatplane

Sharon Kivisto photos

posted 10/11/01
updated 10/12/01

Grounded because of lack of proper paperwork, this privately owned floatplane was left at the Port of Friday Harbor seaplane dock for four days. Port staff had encouraged the owner to move his plane because it wasn't wise to leave it there for extended periods. During windy conditions Wednesday (Oct. 10) the pontoons started filling up and the plane flipped in less than 20 minutes.

The crew from the Pintail spent several hours Thursday (Oct. 12) righting the plane. Kenmore Air employees lent their expertise. (The plane does not belong to Kenmore Air.) The plane was pulled up slowly by its propeller while water was pumped out. A diver made sure things went smoothly.

According to port staff the owner planned to have the plane rebuilt. It was to be taken to Shipyard Cove, the wings removed and the body trucked to the mainland.

Port Director Steve Simpson said the rescue operation was a first for the Port.

According to port staff the plane was grounded by the FAA after U.S. Customs officials discovered the pilot did not have a certificate of airworthiness onboard. Customs officials would not comment on the case.