Half Fire Helicopter Longline Incident 2019

A Type 2 Exclusive Use Helicopter received the order from Dispatch for a 150-foot longline and bucket mission to the Half Fire.

The helicopter pilot was now coming toward the end of his fuel cycle. He had completed eight drops and was inbound for his ninth drop of the fuel cycle on a new target. As he descended above the drop area to release his load of water, the pilot inadvertently triggered the powerfill switch for the bucket instead of the release. The momentum created by the powerfill resulted in the aircraft being pulled in an unexpected direction. It was at this point that the ground crews in congruence with the ICs, decided to cease bucket operations due to safety concerns. The bucket made contact with a 200-foot Jeffrey pine approximately 30 feet below the treetop—knocking several 3-inch limbs off the tree. This contact prompted the IHC crew members to run and seek cover behind the base of other trees.

The IHC Captain relayed this to his Senior Firefighter, saying that “he hit it really hard that time”. The Senior Firefighter promptly provided feedback to the pilot. Both the ground personnel and pilot mutually acknowledged the event. It was at this point that the ground crews in congruence with the ICs, decided to cease bucket operations due to safety concerns. Instead of having the aircraft fuel and return, the request was made to fuel and hold. The helicopter departed the fire and transitioned back to Batterson Helispot. 

Helicopters, Helicopter Incident or Accident