The Last Martin Mars Takeoff at Sproat Lake! Philippine Mars Takeoff & Diversion to Pat Bay

Well, it finally happened. Sproat Lake will never quite be the same after December 15th, 2024, as the last remaining Martin Mars water bomber took off from the lake, leaving the place it has called home for more than 60 years.

The aircraft was supposed to fly nonstop from Sproat Lake, overflying the Hawaii Mars at the BC Aviation Museum, and then continue on down the West Coast of the United States to land in San Francisco.

Unfortunately, engine issues occurred and the flight crew decided to divert to Patricia Bay on 3 engines. Interestingly, this is also where the Hawaii Mars landed on its final flight!

EXTRA VIDEO FOOTAGE:
Matt Armstrong
Aaron, Ken & Joanne Burton
Greg Duerksen

BOAT ACCESS;
Rob Frolic
Roc Longeuay


#aviation #militaryaircraft #flyingboat #usnavy #waterbomber #ww2aircraft #warplanes #airplane #biggreenie

Filmed on December 15, 2024

Cameras: Sony AX53, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 15 Pro, Sony A6600
Editing Software: Davinci Resolve 19

Instagram: @burtonader
@tobynburton

© Tobyn Burton