Saskatchewan Grounds Three Turbo Commander Aircraft After Fatal Crash

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has grounded three of its Turbo Commander 690 aircraft, Cbc reported. , last month, killing the three people onboard while they responded to a wildfire. The agency issued the temporary grounding Friday afternoon out of an abundance of caution pending a comprehensive safety review.

Saskatchewan has four other bird dog planes available and is bringing in extra aircraft, including one bird dog, from outside the province, with plans to call in additional ones if needed. Marlo Pritchard, SPSA president and fire commissioner, said the safety of pilots, crews and the public is the highest priority.

"While these aircraft are critical to our wildfire response operations, we are taking a proactive approach to ensure their continued safety and reliability," Pritchard stated.

The agency has reconfigured its aircraft groups and assignments to minimize impacts on wildfire response. Its goal is to maintain readiness and ensure continued support for wildfire response activities throughout the province.