The answer is an almost certain NO, based on this years current plan. Last year a number of DC-6's and 7's were contracted by State agencies, although they were forbidden from drops on any Federal land.
The USFS does not believe they can accurately assess the airworthiness of the older piston aircraft at this time, nor are they likely to invest the (taxpayer) money into the programme to determine it. There is a lot of background information
on this site.
Don't forget that two C-130A's were lost before this most recent turboprop accident. As the USFS had only just issued the P-3 contract this week, you can imagine that they are reeling from this latest accident. The current fear amongst resource managers is that like last year, there will be NO large fixed wing airtankers in service this year, other than the currently contracted two CL-415's that will be a shared asset. It would be very surprising if you could find anyone in the Forest Service who would allow the contract to proceed - especially after last years actions and findings. There are previously scheduled congressional hearings next week to look at firefighting resources for the 2005 season, this may be the most critical review for the industry.
Aero-Union was in the process of being sold. I don't know if the deal had closed prior to this accident, but there is much at stake for this company.
A story today, reveals another aspect of this tragedy.
Condolences to all family members and colleagues at Aero Union.
Pilot killed Wednesday suffered tragedy when brother, also a pilot, perished in 1995 wreck
By GREG WELTER Staff Writer
Paul Cockrell, the air tanker pilot killed Wednesday in a crash near the Lassen National Forest, lost a brother in an air tanker crash in 1995.
At the time of their deaths, both men were flying for Aero Union Corporation of Chico.
According to a story in the Los Angeles Times, Gary Cockrell of Paso Robles was piloting a four-engine DC-4 and dropping retardant on a fire near Anza-Borrego State Park when his craft collided with a small spotter plane.
Cockrell, his co-pilot Lisa Netsch of Hemet, and the pilot of the Beechcraft spotter plane, Michael Smith of Hesperia, all perished.
Witnesses said the spotter plane appeared to hit the top of the air tanker, then clipped off its tail. Cockrell reportedly tried to keep the plane in the air long enough to steer it away from heavily populated areas.
Even so, the crash touched off a massive explosion and caused two homes to catch fire. Residents of one narrowly escaped with their lives.
Wednesday's crash sparked a wildland fire near the Ishi Wilderness that burned about two acres.
The 1995 crash raised questions about how two experienced pilots, trained to handle the difficult flying conditions of firefighting, could have collided in clear weather.
Until Wednesday, the crash 10 years ago was the most recent involving an Aero Union plane.