Manning, AB – On May 5th, 2016, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a Convair 580 water-tanker plane was preparing to land at the Manning Airport to refuel and restock fire-retardant after conducting fire-fighting efforts at Loon River near Red Earth Creek. There were two male pilots on board. During the landing approach the pilot suffered a medical episode and the co-pilot was forced to land the plane. During this emergency landing at the airport strip, the plane veered off the runway and came to rest in the ditch. The plane did not catch fire at any time. The co-pilot was not injured and walked away from the crash, however, the pilot suffered a cut to the head, but was conscious and breathing when Ambulance, Manning Fire Department and RCMP arrived. His injuries are not life threatening.
The RCMP’s role is to act as a support to the Traffic Safety Board (TSB) in any TSB follow up to this event. At this time the RCMP’s role in this matter is closed.