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Veteran pilot killed fighting N.W.T. wildfires remembered as trusted leader and patient mentor

Published July 11, 2026 at 10:32 PM UTC

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The aviation and firefighting communities are mourning the loss of Robert MacLeod, a veteran pilot who died in a plane crash while battling a wildfire in the Northwest Territories last month. MacLeod was identified as the third victim of the June 24 incident near Fort Simpson, which also claimed the lives of territorial government employees Olivier Lamy and Ryan Beck. The three were aboard a Turbo Commander 690 aircraft supporting air tanker crews when the crash occurred.

MacLeod was a highly respected figure in Canadian aviation with a career spanning more than 25 years. Buffalo Airways, his employer, described him as a skilled aviator and a steady presence in high-risk environments. Throughout his career, he served as a flight instructor, medevac captain, and water-bombing pilot, earning a reputation for his calm leadership and commitment to safety. His work took him across the country, including previous service with Forest Protection Limited in New Brunswick.

The crash is currently under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Preliminary findings have suggested that the aircraft may have experienced a structural failure mid-flight. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances that led to this tragedy during critical wildfire suppression efforts.

For the Northwest Territories, the loss of these three individuals is a profound blow. Both Lamy and Beck were dedicated members of the territorial air attack program, and their contributions to protecting communities from wildfires were deeply valued. The incident highlights the inherent dangers faced by those on the front lines of wildfire response, where pilots and ground crews operate in challenging conditions to safeguard the public.

As the aviation community honors MacLeod’s legacy as a mentor and leader, the focus shifts toward the ongoing safety review of firefighting operations. The loss of such experienced professionals underscores the need for continued vigilance and rigorous safety standards in aerial firefighting. The public and the industry now await further updates from the Transportation Safety Board as they work to piece together the final moments of the flight.