Pilot Walks Away Unharmed After Emergency Belly Landing at Vernon Airport

VERNON B.C. March 22, 2026 - A small aircraft made a dramatic but safe emergency landing at Vernon Regional Airport on Saturday afternoon after its front landing gear failed to deploy.

The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on March 21 when the pilot reported mechanical issues with the Piper Seneca 2's nose gear not lowering into position.

Fuel was not a concern, and weather conditions were favorable, though winds were gusty.

Vernon Fire Department crews, alongside airport personnel, and BC Ambulance service positioned themselves at the east end of the runway in anticipation.

Around 1:30 p.m., the pilot made the decision to bring the aircraft down.

Approaching low from the west, the plane touched down initially on its main rear landing gear at the westernmost section of the runway. The pilot balanced the aircraft on the two rear wheels for as long as possible before the nose contacted the tarmac.

From there, the plane rolled forward on its rear wheels while the forward underside skidded along the surface, eventually coming to a complete stop without incident.

The pilot emerged uninjured, and no fire or explosion occurred. Emergency responders quickly confirmed the scene was secure.

As the old aviation saying goes, Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing.

Pilot Walks Away Unharmed After Emergency Belly Landing at Vernon Airport