This Seawind is a unique conversion of a Beech 18, designed in the early 1990s to secure increased load-carrying capability, improved performance and more economical operation. It is formally a Beech D18 EHG (extra high gross). The extended nose has an extra fuel tank and space for additional baggage/freight. Sadly, after many years service with Vancouver Island Air, in April 2007 the aircraft suffered an engine failure on takeoff at Jackson Bay BC, crashed and eventually sank, with all 7 on board being safely rescued from the water. The Seawind was not recovered.

Touching down in the mouth of Campbell River, on its way to Vancouver Island Air's base at Campbell River, Vancouver Island, British Columbia .

The VIA Seawind, seen here taxiing on the Fraser River, was a one-off conversion by Vancouver Island Air, seen here docked at its Campbell River home base. It had increased seating for 12 pax, 3-bladed props, enlarged floats, an extended nose and a PAC Tradewind single tail. It first flew as such on 23 August 1994. Unfortunately on 20 April 2007 this unique aircraft crashed immediately after lift-off from Topaze Harbour near Jackson Bay, BC, Canada. One engine lost power and the aircraft yawed and crashed back onto the water, causing one float to break off. It sank within a minute.

The VIA Seawind was a one-off conversion by Vancouver Island Air, seen here docked at its Campbell River home base. It had increased seating for 12 pax, 3-bladed props, enlarged floats, an extended nose and a PAC Tradewind single tail. It first flew as such on 23 August 1994. Unfortunately on 20 April 2007 this unique aircraft crashed immediately after lift-off from Topaze Harbour near Jackson Bay, BC, Canada. One engine lost power and the aircraft yawed and crashed back onto the water, causing one float to break off. It sank within a minute.

The VIA Seawind was a one-off conversion by Vancouver Island Air, seen here docked at its Campbell River home base. It had increased seating for 12 pax, 3-bladed props, enlarged floats, an extended nose and a PAC Tradewind single tail. It first flew as such on 23 August 1994. Unfortunately on 20 April 2007 this unique aircraft crashed immediately after lift-off from Topaze Harbour near Jackson Bay, BC, Canada. One engine lost power and the aircraft yawed and crashed back onto the water, causing one float to break off. It sank within a minute.

The VIA Seawind, seen here docked at its Campbell River home base, was a one-off conversion by Vancouver Island Air. It had increased seating for 12 pax, 3-bladed props, enlarged floats, an extended nose and a PAC Tradewind single tail. It first flew as such on 23 August 1994. Unfortunately on 20 April 2007 this unique aircraft crashed immediately after lift-off from Topaze Harbour near Jackson Bay, BC, Canada. One engine lost power and the aircraft yawed and crashed back onto the water, causing one float to break off. It sank within a minute.