N.W.T. Fire officials have identified two of the three people killed in a June 24 plane crash near Fort Simpson. Ryan Beck, an air attack officer trainee, and Olivier Lamy, an air attack officer, died when their Bird Dog aircraft crashed while conducting wildfire operations in the Martin Hills area. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is currently investigating the incident, with preliminary evidence suggesting the aircraft may have broken apart mid-flight.
Background of the Victims
Both men were experienced professionals working for the territorial government. Olivier Lamy joined the territorial air attack program in 2024, following years of service as a crew member and crew leader with Parks Canada. According to N.W.T. Fire, Lamy had lived in the territory since 2012 and had been based in Fort Smith since 2014. He was known for his dedication and his annual travels to Thailand to train in Muay Thai.
Ryan Beck was in his second season as an air attack officer trainee. His career in wildland firefighting spanned many years, during which he rose through the ranks. His friend Ben McGregor described Beck as a person who was not afraid to be himself and who maintained a calming presence despite his loud personality. Beck is survived by his partner, Breanna, and their seven-month-old child, Atlas Starr.
The Bird Dog aircraft involved in the crash is a specialized single-engine plane used by firefighting crews to scout wildfires and direct the movement of airtankers.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada’s initial observation regarding mid-flight structural failure is a significant finding that will likely dictate the scope of the remaining investigation. Such incidents typically lead to rigorous inspections of similar aircraft models to ensure the safety of ongoing aerial firefighting operations.
What Happens Next
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada remains in charge of the investigation into the cause of the crash. As the inquiry continues, officials have yet to release the identity of the third individual who died in the accident. A public celebration of life for Ryan Beck is scheduled for July 10 at the Buffalo Airways hangar in Yellowknife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the victims identified by N.W.T. Fire?
The victims named are Ryan Beck, an air attack officer trainee, and Olivier Lamy, an air attack officer.
What was the cause of the crash?
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating, with evidence suggesting the aircraft may have fallen apart mid-flight.
Where was the aircraft operating when the incident occurred?
The plane was working on a wildfire in the Martin Hills area near Fort Simpson on June 24.
How will the firefighting community move forward following this loss of life?
