Topic

#Helicopter

safetyAug 11, 2026

Two Pilots Killed in Utah Firefighting Helicopter Crash

A Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane helicopter went down Friday morning near Richfield, Utah, claiming the lives of both crew members on board. The aircraft, operated by Helicopter Transport Services, was responding to a blaze in the Fishlake National Forest when it crashed, sparking a secondary brush fire that ultimately merged with the primary incident. The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation into the tragedy. For aviators engaged in aerial firefighting, this accident underscores the severe environmental hazards and operational risks inherent to low-altitude wildfire suppression.

#Helicopter #Crash #Wildfire #Utah #Sikorsky #S-64 via FLYING ↗

safetyJul 14, 2026

Unidentified Large Drone Strikes LAPD Helicopter Near Los Angeles Wildfire

An Airbus AS350 operated by the Los Angeles Police Department suffered windshield damage and was forced into a precautionary landing at Van Nuys Airport after colliding with a massive three-foot drone on July 7, 2026. The helicopter was patrolling near an active brush fire in the San Fernando Valley when the midair strike occurred, though both officers onboard escaped without injury. The FAA and FBI are currently hunting for the unidentified operator. For pilots, this incident underscores the severe, growing hazard of rogue uncrewed aircraft encroaching on low-altitude emergency operations.

#LAPD #Drone #Helicopter via AeroTime ↗