Two pilots were killed when a Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane firefighting helicopter crashed near Richfield, Utah, while heading to a wildfire in Fishlake National Forest. The blaze blocked access to the wreckage, delaying on-scene assessment. The NTSB and FAA have launched an investigation, and the crash sparked a second fire that merged with the Widemouth 2 Fire.
Two Pilots Killed as Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane Crashes Near Richfield While Fighting Utah Wildfire
2 Pilots Killed in Helicopter Crash While Fighting Utah Wildfire
Two pilots were killed when a Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane firefighting helicopter crashed near Richfield, Utah, while en route to a wildfire in Fishlake National Forest on Friday morning.
What Happened
Authorities with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office reported the helicopter went down at about 10 a.m. MDT near Richfield. The approaching wildfire immediately blocked safe access to the wreckage, preventing first responders from reaching the site right away.
Aircraft and Response
The Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane involved is a heavy-lift firefighting model capable of carrying up to 2,000 gallons of water for aerial drops. The two deceased pilots were employees of Helicopter Transport Services, an industrial rotorcraft operator that provides aerial support for firefighting and other sectors.
Investigation and Impact
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have opened an investigation into the accident. Officials have not released the pilots’ names pending family notification. The crash also ignited a second fire that spread and merged with the nearby Widemouth 2 Fire, complicating containment efforts.
Emergency agencies and firefighting teams continue to respond to the wildfire and coordinate with federal investigators. No further details about the cause of the crash have been released.
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