News: Pilot killed in crash while fighting Elk Fire : Local : Redding Record Searchlight

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

News: Pilot killed in crash while fighting Elk Fire : Local : Redding Record Searchlight

Pilot killed in crash while fighting Elk Fire

HAPPY CAMP – An unidentified pilot died this morning when his firefighting helicopter crashed into a ridge in densely forested terrain between Elk and Bear creeks, 12 miles southeast of Happy Camp.

The crash was reported at 10:15 a.m. near Elk Creek and Norcross roads and the California Highway Patrol confirmed that the pilot had died, said Mel Cagle, a Klamath National Forest spokesman. There were no passengers in the helicopter.

“We are extremely saddened by this accident,” Cagle said. “Out hearts go out to the family.”

The U.S. Forest Service and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash. The helicopter was carrying a bucket of fire retardant to help douse the flames of the 1,144-acre Elk Fire, Cagle said.

Fire crews and other helicopters were working to suppress a small ground fire associated with the crash this afternoon.

Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department deputies also were hiking into the area to remove the pilot’s body, said sheriff’s spokeswoman Susan Gravenkamp.

The man’s name is being withheld until his family is notified, Gravenkamp said.

She said the pilot was a contractor from out of state and he was helping the forest service fight the 9,085-acre Elk Complex fires that have been endangering Happy Camp and nearby communities for nearly two weeks.

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Tuesday, July 24, 2007