The pilot of a small plane involved in a crash at the Duncan airport on Sunday afternoon was taken to Victoria General Hospital, but is expected to bounce back from his injuries.
"He's doing very well," said Duncan Flying Club president Dean Cramb, who spoke to the pilot on Monday morning. "He's a bit banged up, but the prognosis is for a full recovery."
Cramb is a partner in the plane with the pilot, who was flying solo in the small craft at the time of the crash, and attested to his flying abilities.
"He's a long-term member of the club and a very good pilot," the president said.
The precise cause of the crash was unknown as of Monday afternoon.
"That's where it's kind of a foggy area," said Cramb, who didn't want to speculate. "He was coming in, and might have caught a gear on a berm at the airport."
The pilot had just taken the small plane for a cruise around the area, according to Cramb.
"We often do that, just go up and take a look," he said.
Employees at Butler Brothers gravel pit didn't see the crash, but heard it, and rushed up the hill to investigate. RCMP, the Duncan Volunteer Fire Department and BC Ambulance were all on the scene quickly.
Incidents at the small airport on Langtry Road are few and far between because of the calibre of the Duncan Flying Club's members.
"They are all experienced and good pilots," Cramb said.
"You have to be to fly out of Duncan."
The plane suffered extensive damage in the crash, with the most visible harm being a twisted propeller, broken wings, and a smashed windshield. It is beyond repair.
"It's spare parts now," said Cramb, who emphasized that the health of the pilot was much more important. "I don't give a crap about the plane."
It might not be in the same plane, but the pilot will certainly be flying again.
"Wild horses couldn't keep him away," Cramb said. "He's been in aviation all his life."