White River Fire Helicopter Accident Fatality 2020

On August 24th, 2020 the Mt. Hood National Forest was battling a wildfire on the Barlow Ranger District that was sparked by lightning eight days earlier. The White River Fire was located approximately 32 miles south of Hood River, Oregon. Fire activity on the eastern edge of the White River Fire started picking-up in the early afternoon of the 24th. At about 1215 that day, Air Attack noticed a spot fire that was growing in intensity. Helicopter 314 (N314), a Kaman K-1200 (K-MAX) flown by Tom Duffy, dropped water on the spot and put it out. Duffy continued doing bucket work throughout the afternoon. Toward the end of his shift, when Air Attack tried to reach him, he did not respond. His helicopter had crashed into the river, killing the pilot, who was the only person on board.

Extended Attack, Fatality, Helicopters, Helicopter Incident or Accident