Big Elk Helicopter Accident Fatality 2002

An Aerospatiale SA315B Lama registered N3978Y crashed while engaged in suppression operations on the Big Elk Fire, near Estes Park, Colorado. Several large unburned "islands," approximately 400 acres in size, were in the northwest section of Division B. Due to the abundance of fuel and topography, this area had the greatest potential for the fire to spread towards Estes Park. After being briefed, the pilot began making water drop missions. At 1530, he transported fire managers and reconnoitered a fire area. It was determined that additional water bucket drops would be necessary to cool down certain areas, and pre-treat unburned areas. For the next two hours the pilot made a number of water drops. The pilot returned to the helibase about 1800 and the helicopter was refueled. The pilot took off approximately 1820 and made two additional water drops. According to witnesses, as the pilot made his approach for a third water drop, they heard engine sounds described as the "engine screaming." The helicopter descended with flames shooting from the exhaust, and crashed into terrain. The helicopter subsequently rolled over and became involved in a post-crash fire. The NTSB investigation found that the helicopter likely experienced a condition called a vortex ring state or "settling with power." The pilot, Gordon Knight, was fatally injured in the accident.