Air tanker 83, an S2-T, drops on the Goose Fire, August, 2016. Photo by Bob Martinez.The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has confirmed that, Ken Lancaster, the pilot killed in the crash of a privately owned small plane Monday afternoon was an off-duty air tanker pilot.
It occurred near Columbia Airport in Tuolumne County, California in the 23000 block of Seminole Drive, about a half mile north of the runway. Mr. Lancaster was flying the personal aircraft off-duty and was the only occupant.
Ken Lancaster. Photo by John Slot.The personnel who fly and maintain CAL FIRE’s S-2T air tankers and OV-10s work for Amentum. The Modesto Bee reported that the company said Mr. Lancaster began flying for the CAL FIRE program in 2016. He flew OV-10 air attack aircraft and later S-2T air tankers out of Columbia.
During the last four years he worked out of Columbia flying Tanker 83. Previously he was an A-10 Warthog pilot for seven years during his Air Force service, earning the nickname “A-10 Ken,” according to information released by Amentum.
The plane that crashed Monday was a single-engine Barnow Barry Vari EZE, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. It crashed at about 12:10 p.m.
CAL FIRE T-83, an S2T, at McClellan, March 23, 2016. Photo by Bill Gabbert.
6 Comments
So sad, so young
Remembering the 2 crew members on T82 (N116TG) that crashed 22yrs ago today in France..RIP
This pilot flew well tested and well built and well proven A-10 tank killer. The A-10 is part of you. Flying other type aircraft is no way close with its characteristics and could bite ya. . Here’s an idea grab some mothballed A-10 strip needless weight and load up some wing tanks. You can get in the mess…drop …….refill …..launch
Condolences to the friends and family members of A-10 Ken.
Blue skies
Echoing Badger in wishing the best for friends and family of Ken Lancaster. An awful loss of a fine pilot.
I did not know Ken but my thoughts are with family, friends, and co-workers.
Kirk
He was a good pilot, so I’m curious as to why the crash even happened. I think there’s a possibility he fell asleep seeing as the crash was estimated to occur at around midnight, but given his past experience I don’t think that’s likely.
-Ken’s Nephew
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