A dramatic rescue operation unfolded on Monday (Dec. 23) afternoon in Eneas Lakes Provincial Park west of Peachland鈥攚here a pilot was forced to make a controlled landing after his aircraft's landing gear struck snow during a low-level maneuver.

According to a Facebook post by Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR), the pilot was uninjured but found himself stranded due to deep snow and slushy conditions, which made takeoff impossible.

Using the satellite feature on his iPhone, the pilot called the RCMP, which enlisted the assistance of COSAR. Given the remote location and poor visibility, COSAR sought additional help from Penticton Search and Rescue and a North Shore Rescue Talon helicopter equipped with night vision capabilities.

Although the helicopter crew was unable to land due to dense fog, COSAR and Penticton Search and Rescue members managed to get to the pilot. 

The rescue was COSAR鈥檚 86th call-out for the year.