Buffalo Airways pays tribute to pilot who died in Fort Simpson, N.W.T. crash

Buffalo Airways pays tribute to pilot who died in Fort Simpson crash

Robert MacLeod's aviation career spanned over 25 years across Canada

Buffalo Airways shared a tribute Friday for the pilot aboard the plane that crashed outside Fort Simpson, N.W.T. on June 24, confirming his identity.

Robert MacLeod served as a bird dog pilot for Buffalo Airways for the past three wildfire seasons, leading airtankers in wildfire fighting, but his aviation career spanned over 25 years.

"Known for his calm leadership, professionalism, and steady presence in high-risk environments, Robert made significant contributions to aerial wildfire response across Canada," the social media tribute reads. "His loss is felt deeply by colleagues, students and friends across the aviation and wildfire response communities."

MacLeod was one of the three people who died in the crash aboard a Turbo Commander 690 acting as a bird dog, which was providing tactical support to a water bomber on a wildfire discovered that day in the Martin Hills area.

Air attack officer Olivier Lamy and air attack officer trainee Ryan Beck also died in the crash. N.W.T. Fire paid tribute to them on Wednesday.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating the crash. So far, it has found evidence the plane came apart mid-flight before hitting terrain.

MacLeod also previously worked as a water-bombing pilot, flight instructor, medevac captain and training pilot.

An obituary for MacLeod shared by a funeral home in New Brunswick states he was raised in Riverview, N.B., where he also lived throughout his life, though he also helped combat wildfires in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta.

His obituary highlights that he spent many hours in the air and achieved the distinction of captain.

The obituary says MacLeod is survived by his mother, his brother and nieces, as well as his partner and her son who MacLeod raised "as his own" since he was three.

Outside of his work, MacLeod was an "avid go-kart racer" and competed for close to thirty years as a speed skater, according to the obituary.

"He was truly a hero to his family and to the people, homes, and communities he helped protect," it reads. "He lived a life of speed, service, and soaring high."

Sarah St-Pierre is a reporter with CBC North in Yellowknife. She is a 2025 CBC News Summer Scholar and has a master's degree in journalism from Carleton University. You can reach her in English or French at sarah.st-pierre-news@cbc.ca.