According to an FAA report, one of Erickson Aero Tanker’s aircraft was struck by a garbage truck while parked at San Antonio, Texas January 5, 2015. There were no injuries, and the amount of damage to Tanker 105 is unknown.
The aircraft is an MD-87, N295EA, first certified by the Interagency Airtanker Board in 2014. One of its sister air tankers, T-101, made the first drop on a fire by an MD-87 June 7 on the Two Bulls Fire west of Bend, Oregon.
The aircraft is off contract now and the start date for 2015 hasn’t been determined.
A phone call to Erickson Aero Tanker was not returned.
#105 just dropped Foschek in Laguna Canyon. Having lived through the 93 fire, we are thankful that we got the tanker early on this time. The pilot was a champ, with all the hills, he was challenged. He was all pro and carefully checked windspeed, canyon slope and drenched the area that could have led to structure (our homes) loss. Thank you. You saved my brother’s and dad’s life in 93 Laguna fire when they were about to be consumed. So grateful!
Here is a link to a video of the drop.
https://instagram.com/p/4sXBaRLc2Q/