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East County News Service
October 8, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)—Amid peak fire season, a fatal crash has grounded all of California’s 22 S-2T air tankers, the Los Angeles Times Reports. That’s troubling news in San Diego, where the two worst wildfires in the state’s history both occurred in late October.
Yesterday, an air tanker battling the Dog Rock Fire in Yosemite National Park crashed, killing the pilot. The cause is not yet known and the tankers will remain grounded until officials deem that they are safe, according to Daniel Berlant with CAL-FIRE.
The tankers are capable of carrying up to 1,200 gallons of fire retardant each. Temporary grounding of the remaining 22 S-2T tankers leaves CAL-FIRE with 11 UH-1H Super Huey helicopters and 14 OV-10A airtactical aircraft. The aircraft can reach most fires within 20 minutes from 13 air attack and nie Helitack bases statewide, according to CAL FIRE’s website.
The grounded tanker planes are former Navy aircraft retrofitted for firefighting, including addition of turbine prop engines.
A California Highway Patrol witnessed the accident and said the plane appeared to hit a canyon wall during an air drop.
“This crash under scores just how inherently dangerous wildland firefighting is and the job is further compounded this year by extreme fire conditions,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “We have secured the crash site and will be cooperating with the NTSB on their investigation.”
The pilot worked for DynCorp International, which also does maintenance on CAL FIRE’S planes. The name of the pilot has not yet been released pending notification of family members.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot’s family during this difficult time,” said Jeff Cavarra, program director for DynCorp.
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