The iconic Philippine Mars water bomber, which battled wildfires across BC for nearly 50 years, has completed its final flight.
The massive Martin Mars, a stalwart of aerial firefighting, left its longtime base at Sproat Lake in Port Alberni on Sunday, bidding farewell to its home province amidst a serene, snowy landscape.
For decades, the Philippine Mars was a familiar sight on Vancouver Island, tirelessly serving during wildfire emergencies. Its final chapter began as the aircraft departed from Sproat Lake, crossing into US waters before making a brief stop in San Francisco.
On Monday evening, it touched down at Lake Pleasant, Arizona, marking the next phase of its storied journey.
Wayne Coulson, CEO of Coulson Aviation—the company that has proudly owned the water bomber for years—confirmed that the aircraft will be dismantled prior to being transported by truck to its permanent home at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson.
The final departure of the Philippine Mars was not without its setbacks. Initially scheduled to begin its journey in December, the water bomber’s departure was delayed by several months due to mechanical issues, including an emergency landing in Patricia Bay.
Last month, Coulson Aviation had returned the aircraft to Sproat Lake, where dedicated crews performed major engine fixes to ready it for this final flight.
The retirement of the Philippine Mars follows a similar farewell last year when Hawaii Mars was retired to the BC Aviation Museum in North Saanich.
That celebrated event saw tens of thousands of spectators watch as the aircraft, escorted by the Snowbirds, made a historic flight over several Vancouver Island communities before touching down near Victoria International Airport at Patricia Bay.
