Pennsylvania Dept of Conservation Air Tanker Accident Fatalities 1997

On April 20, 1997, about 1437 eastern daylight time, a Lockheed PV2, N6856C, was destroyed when it impacted trees while dropping fire retardant in Blandburg, Pennsylvania. The airplane, operated by Hirth Air Tanker, was flying in support of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Forest Fire Protection. The airplane flew towards the fire parallel to the valley ridge, and the helicopter pilot observed the air tanker drop its retardant. During the drop, the airplane flew through smoke, and its right wing impacted trees on the upslope side of the valley. The airplane then rolled 90 degrees and descended into the steeply inclined wooded terrain. A review of the pilot's FAA medical records revealed that he lacked color vision.