By David Wiwchar

Phillipine Mars lands in Pat Bay

Dec 16, 2024 | 8:26 AM

The Phillipine Mars has left the valley.

The world’s largest flying boat cut through the local fog and began its flight south on Sunday, it’s second attempt at flying from Sproat Lake to San Francisco.

And while the first attempt was cut short after a problem with engine #2 forcing pilots to turn around at Nanaimo and head back to base, Sunday’s trip was cut short after a problem with engine #4 forcing pilots to turn around at Puget Sound and head back to the coast guard base at Pat Bay.

Philippine is now at anchor and undergoing repairs near where Hawaii Mars now resides at the BC Aviation Museum at the Victoria International Airport.

No word on when the next flight could be.

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