Iconic Martin Mars water bomber takes final flight [Video]

Spectators gathered to glimpse the final flight of the Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber on Sunday, before the iconic aircraft was delivered to its new home at the B.C. Aviation Museum.

Pilots flew the plane from Sproat Lake down the east coast of Vancouver Island – in formation with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds – before touching down in Patricia Bay, beside the Victoria International Airport.

Crowds of onlookers waved and cheered, with some finding themselves overcome with emotion watching the world-famous water bomber approach its final descent.

In a live stream of the event provided by the museum, Lana Popham, B.C.’s minister of tourism, arts and culture, described tearing up at the sight of the Martin Mars coming over the horizon.

“There’s been a lot of really big feelings today. I was actually more emotional than I thought I was going to be,” Popham said.

The minister remarked on the …