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All Canada British Columbia West Vancouver Mount Strachan Crash Site and Memorial
AO Edited

Mount Strachan Crash Site and Memorial

The scattered debris of a T-33 Canadian naval jet crash from 1963 now stands as a memorial.

West Vancouver, British Columbia

Added By
Cat Ashbee
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Memorial plaque for the pilots.   CatAshbee / Atlas Obscura User
Memorial plaque for the pilots.   CatAshbee / Atlas Obscura User
Large area of debris in a clearing.   CatAshbee / Atlas Obscura User
A piece of the wing showing mild corrosion.   CatAshbee / Atlas Obscura User
Built to last.   CatAshbee / Atlas Obscura User
Torn pieces of the T-33.   CatAshbee / Atlas Obscura User
Residual snow in July near the crash site.   CatAshbee / Atlas Obscura User
Small memorial plaque on a nearby tree.   CatAshbee / Atlas Obscura User
Preserved pieces strewn about the woods.   CatAshbee / Atlas Obscura User
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About

It's truly remarkable that for over half a century, the remains of a tragic military jet crash still resides at this location despite the many visitors.

Out of respect for the pilots who perished, the memorial reminds hikers “do not take anything.” The humid, short summers in Canada’s coastal rain forest, combined with the copious amounts of winter snow in the region are the perfect recipe for corrosion.

The debris stands as a true testament to the resiliency of aircraft aluminum as moss, mushrooms, and decaying leaf litter engulfs the still shining, decimated pieces of the jet. The painted badging is still readable on parts of the wing and fuselage. The jagged scars where the trees and rocks tore into the plane are still visible. A walk through the area is like a scavenger hunt, as pieces of the wreckage are peppered throughout the sloped, dense woods.

It was the day after the devastating news of President John. F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 that inclement weather on British Columbia's North Shore Mountains caused the T-33’s training mission to fail, killing both pilots. The site is a fitting tribute and is a moment frozen in time. There is also a memorial plaque dedicated to the pilots near the site.

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Memorials Crash Site Airplanes

Know Before You Go

This is a ski hill, so the hike can be a little steep. For more experienced hikers, the looping trails make for a beautiful day hike, but taking the ski run up is quicker and more direct. 

Hiking season runs from July to October; always check access and conditions prior to planning your trip. The elevation can keep some patches of snow year-round. Anticipate mud and mosquitos and also watch for bears.

Community Contributors

Added By

CatAshbee

Edited By

maripatw

  • maripatw

Published

December 31, 2020

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Mount Strachan Crash Site and Memorial
West Vancouver, British Columbia, V0N1G0
Canada
49.405128, -123.194314

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