Widemouth 2 Fire Helicopter Accident Fatalities 2026

On Friday, August 7, at 10:41 AM an exclusive use contracted Type 1 helicopter (CH-54A) Sky Crane was engaged in water dropping when contact was lost. A mishap was confirmed and the aircraft was located. Based on the location of the mishap site, and the nature of the wreckage, initial rescue and recovery efforts were hampered by terrain, fire behavior and smoke.

The NTSB and FAA have been notified. The NTSB will lead the investigation with the FAA and Forest Service Aircraft Mishap Investigation Team assisting.