National Transportation Safety Board releases details of deadly helicopter crash that killed 2 pilots

COVE FORT, Millard County — The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday released its preliminary report on a deadly helicopter crash near the Widemouth 2 Fire.

Two pilots died Aug. 7 after the helicopter they were in crashed. According to the board's report, the crash occurred at about 10:44 a.m. The helicopter was conducting aerial fire suppression operations to help fight the Widemouth 2 Fire near Cove Fort.

The National Transportation Safety Board said that just before the crash, the helicopter stopped at a water source to fill its tank. It then began traveling to a specific drop site.

"According to the ground supervisor, the helicopter arrived from the northwest, and he directed the crew to the location where water was needed," the report states. "The helicopter then flew over the area to verify the target, and the flight crew confirmed they had identified the correct location."

The two pilots said they would "make another pass" before they released the water onto the drop site. The helicopter then took a right turn and disappeared behind a knoll, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. After that, on a radio transmission from the helicopter, the ground supervisor heard, "Oh ... we have a problem," and a pilot shouting, "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday."

The report stated no other communication came from the pilots before the helicopter crashed into "rising terrain" and exploded. The fire after the crash destroyed much of the aircraft, the report said.

On Aug. 9, a National Transportation Safety Board investigator and an aerospace engineer and helicopter specialist examined the crash site. They found "components" that the board "retained for further examination and testing." The board said the test results are pending. It also said results of an examination of the helicopter's airframe and engines are pending.

Recovery of the crash wreckage will take place when fire conditions allow, the report states.

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