USFS: Plane had problems

HAYDEN — The U.S. Forest Service confirmed Thursday that an MD 87 Airtanker owned by Erickson Aero Air (T-101) experienced a problem with one of its engines shortly after takeoff from the Coeur d’Alene Airport around 2:30 p.m. Monday.

Northern Lakes Fire District spokesman Jim Lyon had said Wednesday that Monday’s multiple fires around the airport were likely caused by such an issue.

USFS spokeswoman Shoshana Cooper said the plane in question landed safely, with no injuries to pilot or crew members. Erickson replaced the engine and the plane has returned to service fighting fires across the Northwest.

USFS is working with the National Transportation Safety Board and Erickson to determine the cause of the incident. However, the NTSB “has decided not to classify this mishap as an accident and consequently will not be conducting a formal investigation of it,” Cooper said.