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Hemet Air Tanker Demonstration Accident Fatality 1961

  • Location:

    California
  • Date:

    06/20/1961
  • Incident Type:

    Fixed Wing Incident or Accident
  • Description:

    Arthur Beall, a pilot for Hemet Valley Flying Service was killed during a demonstration drop in the mountains near Hemet, California on June 20, 1961. Beall was piloting a TBM Avenger air tanker when the wing contacted the ground or vegetation in a tight turn. The plane impacted the ground at about 3000 feet elevation. The crash sparked a wildfire in the area, which was controlled at 250 acres the following day. 

    Fixed Wing Incident or Accident, Fatality, Aviation