CalFire lifts airtanker safety stand down after fatal plane crash

CalFire officials said Friday they have lifted the safety stand down of their airtanker fleet.

The fleet was grounded after a crash Tuesday in which a pilot was killed while fighting the Dog Rock fire.

Craig Hunt, 62, was a 13-year veteran pilot with DynCorp, which is contracted by CalFire. The plane was based out of Hollister.

Earlier on Friday, the National Transportation Safety Board notified CalFire that their investigation into the Tanker 81 accident has found no structural failures or aging aircraft issues involved in the crash.

Airbase personnel have returned to routine daily safety inspections and will be permitted to resume normal flight activities today.

“This has been a difficult week for the department,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CalFire director. “Words can’t express my sorrow for the Hunt family, but I am incredibly thankful of the work our pilots, employees and fire service partners have done following this tragic accident.”