After months of preparation, the Coulson Aviation Martin Mars completed its final flight today after a flight that took in several sights and provided multiple flyby's on its final flight from its base at Port Alberni in British Columbia to its final stop in Patricia Bay where it will then move on to its final resting place, the British Columbia Aviation Museum.
In the final portion of the flight around Victoria, the Hawaii Mars was joined by the Canadian Snow Birds from the 431 Demonstration Squadron, flying nine CT-114 Tutors in formation with the Martin Mars over several locations near the final landing site at Patricia Bay.
Crowds lined various locations along the route, with the crowd number estimated to be over 10,000 people who witnessed the final arrival of the Martin Mars aircraft as it touched down for the final time at 7 PM Canadian time (10 PM EST) to the roar of the appreciative crowd that lined the foreshore and gathered in hundreds of boats in the bay waiting to witness the arrival of the 79-year-old aircraft that served as an iconic firebomber.
Crews waved to the many onlookers from the nose entry point and roof windows as the aircraft taxied to the boat ramp for the final time, as the Snow Birds gave a final salute overflight to celebrate the arrival of the historic aircraft before it moves to the BC Aviation Museum at a later date.
The BC Aviation Museum thanked Minister Popham and Coulson CEO Wayne Coulson and the many hundreds of people that assisted in bringing the Hawaii Mars home to its original location where it was fitted for aerial firefighting. Wayne Coulson stated that it was an honor for himself, his wife, and family to have the Hawaii Mars preserved at the BC Aviation Museum for generations to come.
