Mendocino Unit Fire Air Tanker Accident Fatality 1978

A Grumman S-2A Tracker air tanker crashed while on a low pass for a retardant drop near Laytonville, California at 1746 on August 20, 1978. The aircraft, registered N448DF, was contracted to the California Department of Forestry (CDF, now CAL FIRE) when it impacted trees and crashed, resulting in a post-crash fire. According to media reports, the aircraft was in a right turn when the right wing struck the ground. The aircraft, out of control, then struck an unoccupied car. Pilot James Lippitt was killed in the accident. Debris from the accident also struck and injured two firefighters in the vicinity. The fire was contained at 8 acres by five CDF engines, two helicopters, two hand crews, and an additional air tanker. 

The cause of the accident was not determined, though witnesses indicated that the plane seemed to "falter" while on its retardant run and the pilot seemingly tried to steer the aircraft away from the fire area, over a road, and into an open space. The aircraft instead hit Branscombe Road.