Veteran pilot killed fighting N.W.T. wildfire remembered as leader, mentor

A veteran pilot, Robert MacLeod, has been honored following his death in a plane crash on June 24 while battling a wildfire in Canada's Northwest Territories. MacLeod, a bird dog captain for Buffalo Airways for the past three seasons, was known for his expertise and calm demeanor under pressure.

Buffalo Airways stated that MacLeod made significant contributions to aerial firefighting across the country during his career, which spanned over 25 years. He had previously worked as a bird dog and waterbomber pilot in New Brunswick. Colleagues remember him not only as a skilled pilot but also as a "patient mentor and dependable teammate," who also served as a medevac captain and flight instructor.

The aircraft, a Turbo Commander 690, crashed near Fort Simpson, N.W.T., while providing tactical support for a water bomber. MacLeod and two firefighters were on board at the time of the incident. The crash occurred amidst ongoing wildfire activity, with smoke from the Brunswick Creek wildfire triggering air quality warnings in other parts of Canada.

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patient mentor and dependable teammate