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Incident Information:
Attachment Size Hills Fire Helicopter Accident NTSB Final Investigation Report.pdf (4.69 MB) 4.69 MB Hills Fire Helicopter Accident Fatality USFA Notification.pdf (61 KB) 61 KB -
Location:
California -
Date:
08/19/2020 -
Incident Type:
Helicopter Incident or Accident -
Description:
The pilot was engaged in external load fire-fighting operations on the Hills Fire near Coalinga, California, when the accident occurred. After dropping several loads of water, the pilot reported abnormal noises and vibrations and stated "it's my hydraulics" before he lost airspeed and control of the helicopter. The helicopter made several uncontrolled rotations before colliding with terrain and erupting in flames. The wreckage was highly fragmented and most consumed by the postimpact fire. The pilot, Michael John Fournier, was killed in the crash.
Helicopter Incident or Accident, Aviation, Helicopters, Fatality
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