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Kalama Fire Helicopter Accident 2022

  • Incident Information:

    Attachment Size
    Kalama Fire Helicopter Accident 24 Hour Report.pdf (190.81 KB) 190.81 KB
    Kalama Fire Helicopter Accident NTSB Preliminary Investigation Report.pdf (730.16 KB) 730.16 KB

  • Location:

    Washington

  • Date:

    09/07/2022

  • Incident Type:

    Helicopter Incident

  • Description:

    At approximately 1600 hours, an Exclusive-use Bell 205A1++ was filling its bucket at Merrill Lake for its fifth drop on the fuel cycle on the Kalama Fire, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington. While the bucket filled, the helicopter lost power and began to descend. The pilot maneuvered the falling helicopter towards the shore of the lake, where it impacted the water surface and rolled onto its right side. The pilot was able to evacuate the aircraft. 

    Helicopter Incident or Accident, Aviation, Helicopters

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