Air tanker pilot killed in crash while firefighting Eastern Oregon wildfire
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An air tanker pilot is dead after disappearing in the Malheur National Forest late Thursday night, according to fire officials.
Authorities say the single-engine tanker went missing while fighting a lightning-started fire in the vicinity of the Falls Fire near Seneca, Ore. The Associated Press has since confirmed that the pilot on board had died in the incident.
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The plane was located in steep, forested terrain on Friday morning after the search was suspended at nightfall the day before, according to Lisa Clark with the Bureau of Land Management.
“It’s with deep sadness that we share the death of a member of the wildland firefighter community following the conclusion of search efforts for a BLM contracted single engine airtanker,” Grant County officials said in a statement. “Please join us in keeping the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen firefighter in your hearts.”
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“Anytime we lose a firefighter in the wildland fire community, it is tragic and felt across the community,” said Kaitlyn Webb, with the Malheur National Forest Bureau of Land Management. “There’s a lot of support and it’s a difficult time for the wildfire community right now. Folks are focused on the task at hand.”
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the single-engine Air Tractor 802A crashed around 11:30 p.m. Thursday night. The pilot who died was the only occupant of the aircraft.
“The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate,” the FAA said. “The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide any updates.”
Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden shared the following statement on social media:
“The dangers of fighting fires are constant and this developing news story from Eastern Oregon is a painful reminder of that fact,” Sen. Wyden said. “Let’s all take a moment to think about the people in this air tanker and hope for a positive outcome.”
Gov. Tina Kotek added: “I am mourning the life that was lost in the fight against the Falls Fire in Grant and Harney counties. On behalf of Oregon, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the firefighter’s family, loved ones, and fellow firefighters. Firefighters in the field look out for one another. When harm falls on one, it is felt by all. I want to thank all those who were a part of the search efforts for the recovered SEAT, and everyone fighting fires right now. I have your back, and I will continue to deploy every available resource to aid you.”
Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.
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