Legendary Hawaii Martin Mars Aircraft Makes Historic Final Landing on Vancouver Island
Excitement filled the air at Patricia Bay Park on Vancouver Island as thousands gathered to witness the epic final landing of the iconic Hawaii Martin Mars aircraft. This legendary water bomber, which had valiantly battled wildfires in British Columbia for more than five decades, embarked on its last journey as it bid farewell to its longtime base in Sproat Lake, Port Alberni.
With a capacity to carry over 27,000 liters of water, the massive aircraft made a majestic landing in Saanich Inlet before soaring to its new home at the B.C. Aviation Museum. Accompanied by nine Canadian Forces Snowbirds jets, the Hawaii Martin Mars painted the sky with nostalgia, passing over several communities en route to its grand finale.
“It’s kind of sad that it’s the end of the story,” expressed Peter Killin, a seasoned pilot who had the honor of flying the Hawaii Martin Mars for the final time, alongside Rick Matthews of Harbour Air. Killin, reflecting on his more than 1,000 hours spent flying the water bomber, shared his excitement for the aircraft’s new chapter at the museum.
Earlier this year, Coulson Aviation, the proud owners of the Hawaii Martin Mars since 2007, announced the aircraft’s donation to the B.C. Aviation Museum, marking a poignant close to an illustrious era. Wayne Coulson, CEO of Coulson Aviation, described the gesture as a “grand ending to a great history,” as plans were set in motion to preserve the aircraft as a centerpiece in a captivating wildfire exhibition.
The Hawaii Mars, originally part of the U.S. navy’s tran-Pacific transport fleet in the 1940s, transformed into a vital asset during the Korean War and eventually found its calling as a firefighting machine for B.C.’s forest industry in 1958. Over its operational lifespan, the water bomber had bravely dropped a staggering 190 million liters of water on wildfires, earning a reputation as the most effective firefighting aircraft in history.
As the Hawaii Martin Mars takes its place as “the jewel in the crown” of the B.C. Aviation Museum’s firefighting display, aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike eagerly anticipate the opportunity to witness and appreciate the legacy of this true aviation icon for generations to come.
Excitement filled the air at Patricia Bay Park on Vancouver Island as thousands gathered to witness the epic final landing of the iconic Hawaii Martin Mars aircraft. This legendary water bomber, which had valiantly battled wildfires in British Columbia for more than five decades, embarked on its last journey as it bid farewell to its longtime base in Sproat Lake, Port Alberni.
With a capacity to carry over 27,000 liters of water, the massive aircraft made a majestic landing in Saanich Inlet before soaring to its new home at the B.C. Aviation Museum. Accompanied by nine Canadian Forces Snowbirds jets, the Hawaii Martin Mars painted the sky with nostalgia, passing over several communities en route to its grand finale.
“It’s kind of sad that it’s the end of the story,” expressed Peter Killin, a seasoned pilot who had the honor of flying the Hawaii Martin Mars for the final time, alongside Rick Matthews of Harbour Air. Killin, reflecting on his more than 1,000 hours spent flying the water bomber, shared his excitement for the aircraft’s new chapter at the museum.
Earlier this year, Coulson Aviation, the proud owners of the Hawaii Martin Mars since 2007, announced the aircraft’s donation to the B.C. Aviation Museum, marking a poignant close to an illustrious era. Wayne Coulson, CEO of Coulson Aviation, described the gesture as a “grand ending to a great history,” as plans were set in motion to preserve the aircraft as a centerpiece in a captivating wildfire exhibition.
The Hawaii Mars, originally part of the U.S. navy’s tran-Pacific transport fleet in the 1940s, transformed into a vital asset during the Korean War and eventually found its calling as a firefighting machine for B.C.’s forest industry in 1958. Over its operational lifespan, the water bomber had bravely dropped a staggering 190 million liters of water on wildfires, earning a reputation as the most effective firefighting aircraft in history.
As the Hawaii Martin Mars takes its place as “the jewel in the crown” of the B.C. Aviation Museum’s firefighting display, aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike eagerly anticipate the opportunity to witness and appreciate the legacy of this true aviation icon for generations to come.
