A small single-engine aircraft crashed in a wooded area south of Nanaimo early Thursday morning, killing the pilot.

RCMP confirmed the pilot did not survive.

Campbell River-based Sealand Flight Ltd. said a Cessna 172 on a private flight was involved in a fatal accident at about 3 a.m.

“We are devastated,” said company president Bill Alder. “Aviation is a small community, and Sealand Flight is like a family.

“Our hearts go out to the pilot’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Alder said no further information was available and that additional details will be provided as they become known.

RCMP were still at the crash scene Thursday afternoon.

B.C. Emergency Health Services said it received a call for an aviation crash in the 2700 block of Twilight Way in Nanaimo.

Paramed

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