UPDATE #2: Manning RCMP say the crash happened around 4 p.m. as a Convair 580 water tanker plane was landing at the airport. It was coming in to refuel and restock fire-retardant after taking part in the firefighting efforts at Loon River near Red Earth Creek.
During the emergency landing, the pilot suffered a medical episode and the co-pilot had to land the plane. The plane veered off the landing strip and stopped in a ditch. It didn’t catch fire and the co-pilot walked away uninjured. The pilot suffered a cut on his head but was conscious and breathing when EMS, RCMP and the Fire Department from Manning responded. His injuries are not life-threatening.
UPDATE: Premier Rachel Notley has confirmed that an air tanker slid off the runway at the Manning Municipal Airport today. She says there were no fatalities and both pilots are having their medical status evaluated.
A firefighting plane has reportedly crashed near Manning. Global News reports the crash happened Thursday afternoon, and according to an official with the Manning Municipal Airport, the people on board are believed to be okay.
How many people were involved and where they were flying to is unknown at this point. There is an under control wildfire burning point-four hectares north of the town. Exactly where the plane crash has not been confirmed.