Accident
Firefighting pilot killed in tanker plane crash in Oregon
"The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the plane, was confirmed dead at the scene,"
A firefighting pilot was tragically killed when a single-engine air tanker crashed while combating a wildfire in Eastern Oregon, authorities confirmed on Friday. The plane, which had been battling the Falls Fire near Seneca, Oregon, was reported missing on Thursday evening and was found early Friday morning by a Grant County Search and Rescue team.
The aircraft, a single-engine Air Tractor 802A, was contracted by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and was deployed to help contain the rapidly spreading Falls Fire. Lisa Clark, a Bureau of Land Management information officer for the Falls Fire, stated that the plane was discovered in steep, forested terrain after search efforts were suspended overnight due to darkness. "The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the plane, was confirmed dead at the scene," Clark said.
The Falls Fire, which has been burning for over two weeks, has grown to encompass approximately 219 square miles and is currently 55% contained. The wildfire is one of several large blazes, or "mega-fires," that have been ravaging Oregon and other Western states this summer. The fire has prompted the deployment of over 1,500 firefighters and numerous aerial resources, including the ill-fated tanker plane.
Thomas Kyle-Milward, spokesperson for Northwest Incident Management Team 8, provided further details on the incident. "We received a report of a missing aircraft around 6:50 p.m. on Thursday," Kyle-Milward said. "The plane was last seen near the Malheur National Forest, about 25 miles south of John Day. Search efforts began immediately and resumed at first light on Friday."
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Air Tractor 802A crashed near Seneca around 11:30 p.m. local time on Thursday. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The fallen pilot's identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The pilot's death marks a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those on the front lines of wildfire suppression efforts. Single-engine air tankers like the one involved in the crash are crucial tools in the fight against wildfires, capable of carrying up to 800 gallons of water or fire retardant.
The Falls Fire continues to pose a significant threat to the region, with strong winds and extremely dry conditions exacerbating the situation. Several new fire starts were reported in the vicinity of the Falls Fire on Thursday, further stretching firefighting resources. The Telephone Fire, which grew by 3,000 acres overnight, is one of the new blazes drawing resources away from the Falls Fire.
In response to the growing threat, the Alaska Complex Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the Falls and Telephone Fires on Friday morning, working in unified command with the Oregon State Fire Marshal's office. Evacuation levels have been issued and extended in response to the new fire activity, with structure protection crews mobilizing to protect homes and other buildings in the path of the flames.
As firefighting efforts continue, the loss of the pilot serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those battling wildfires. "Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of the pilot during this difficult time," said Clark. "We are committed to continuing our efforts to contain the Falls Fire and protect the communities at risk."
The firefighting community and the residents of Eastern Oregon are mourning the loss of a dedicated pilot who gave his life in the line of duty. The investigation into the crash will seek to uncover the factors that led to this tragic incident, with the hope of preventing future occurrences and ensuring the safety of those who bravely fight wildfires.