On Saturday, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) confirmed that it is currently working with other local, state and federal agencies to respond to a fatal aircraft accident associated with the Cedar Basin Fire near Wikieup, Arizona. The accident occurred around noon on July 10 and involved an air attack aircraft performing aerial reconnaissance and command and control over the fire.
Two crew members were on board.
Today’s accident involved an “Air Attack” platform – performs aerial reconnaissance and provides aerial supervision and coordination for a fire’s aviation resources. The platform is the plane, fire pilot, & an Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS). https://t.co/4EgF89jDR1
— Bureau of Land Management – Arizona Fire (@BLMAZFire) July 11, 2021
“We are sad to report there were no survivors. We will provide additional information pending next of kin notification. Our hearts go out to the families of our brave wildland firefighters,” announced BLM.
The lightning-caused Cedar Basin Fire has burned 300 acres and has zero containment. The NTSB is investigating the crash.