Accident Summary
The airplane struck terrain during a fire retardant delivery flight when it encountered tailwind and downdraft conditions while crossing a ridgeline. The accident occurred as the aircraft was performing a retardant drop over the designated site.
Pilot Actions
According to the pilot, he flew the airplane over the drop site at an airspeed between 95 and 100 miles per hour, approximately 60 feet above the terrain, with flaps extended to 30 degrees. After releasing the retardant, he applied full power and retracted the flaps to 10 degrees, while noting normal engine indications. However, the airplane would not climb without losing airspeed. The pilot realized he would be unable to clear the ridgeline ahead and slowed the airplane as much as possible before it collided with the terrain.
Weather Conditions
Weather observations from a nearby airport and reports from ground personnel close to the accident site indicated high and gusty wind conditions, with velocities reaching as high as 40 knots. These conditions would have resulted in a tailwind for the airplane during the retardant drop, contributing to the downdraft and tailwind environment encountered.