What happened
On August 5, 2008, at approximately 1941 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter, registration N612AZ, crashed during the initial climb following takeoff from Helispot 44 (H-44) near Weaverville, California. The aircraft was operating a public flight for the U.S. Forest Service to transport firefighters to another helispot. The helicopter was located at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet in mountainous terrain.
During the climb, the aircraft struck trees and terrain. The resulting impact forces and a postcrash fire destroyed the helicopter. The accident resulted in 9 fatal injuries, including the pilot-in-command, the safety crewmember, and seven firefighters. Additionally, the copilot and three firefighters sustained 4 serious injuries.
At the time of the accident, visual meteorological conditions were present with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 150 degrees at 07 knots. A company visual flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight.