Saskatchewan pausing use of 3 aircraft after fatal crash in NWT

A Turbo Commander "Bird Dog" aircraft in use by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. (Source: SPSA)

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is pausing the use of three “Bird Dog” aircraft from aerial wildfire suppression activities as a safety precaution.

The trio of planes, Turbo Commander 690, are the same model that was involved in a recent crash which killed three people in the Northwest Territories.

• No survivors found after plane crashes in N.W.T.

The SPSA said it will proactively conduct a comprehensive safety review on the three aircraft to make sure they are safe to return to full service. Until that time, they will remain suspended from wildfire activities.

“The safety of our pilots, crews and the public is our highest priority,” SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said in an update on Friday. “While these aircraft are critical to our wildfire response operations, we are taking a proactive approach to ensure their continued safety and reliability.”

Four Bird Dog aircraft are still available to support wildfire efforts in the province. The SPSA has also brought in extra aircraft from outside Saskatchewan, noting that more can be requested if needed.

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In addition, the safety agency says it has adjusted aircraft groupings and operational assignments to ensure smooth operations, despite the groundings.

Concluding its message, the SPSA noted that the three aircraft will only return to service after all required inspections and necessary follow-ups have been addressed.