SPSA grounds three Bird Dog aircraft pending safety review

The aircraft will remain out of wildfire operations for an undetermined period until the review is complete.

The three people killed were on board a Turbo Commander 690 that crashed near Fort Simpson, N.W.T., west of Yellowknife, on June 24 while it was providing tactical support for a water bomber. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said in an investigation update that the plane suffered an in-flight breakup before hitting the ground.

On Friday, Buffalo Airways identified the pilot killed as Robert MacLeod. It said his career spanned 25 years and he served as a bird dog captain for Buffalo Airways for the past three seasons.

“Known for his calm leadership, professionalism and steady presence in high-risk environments, Robert made significant contributions to aerial wildfire response across Canada,” Buffalo Airways said in a social media post Friday.

A social media post from NWT Fire earlier said firefighters Olivier Lamy and Ryan Beck also died in the crash.

To reduce the impact on wildfire suppression efforts in Saskatchewan, the SPSA said it has reconfigured aircraft groupings and operational assignments across its fleet. The agency said the changes are intended to maintain operational readiness and continue supporting wildfire response efforts across Saskatchewan.

The SPSA said four Bird Dog aircraft remain available for wildfire suppression.

The agency has also brought in additional aircraft, including a Bird Dog, through existing mutual aid agreements with other jurisdictions and said more Bird Dogs will be brought in if required.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will return the aircraft to service only after all required inspections have been completed and any necessary follow-up actions have been addressed,” Pritchard said.

—

-With files from the Canadian Press

by paNOW Staff

SPSA grounds three Bird Dog aircraft pending safety review

What's Trending