Elbow Creek Fire Smokejumping Accident Short Haul 2021

Smokejumpers were ordered to staff the Elbow Creek Fire on the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. After jumping from the aircraft, turbulent air was felt by the jumpers at approximately 100 feet above ground level. Jumper 1 attempted to “land” in a tree. The tree top broke out, causing Jumper 1 to fall to ground, sustaining significant injuries. A National Park Service helicopter, also dispatched to the fire, arrived shortly after this injury incident and configured for short-haul. The patient was then transferred to an air ambulance helicopter and transported to the hospital in Bozeman, MT, where they were diagnosed with a broken pelvis, fractured tibia, broken heel, and a mild concussion.

[This data was initially provided by the USFS Weekly Summary Report.]

RLS, Aviation, Medevac, Helicopters, Short Haul, Medical Emergency, Smokejumping Accident