Accident Overview
On August 5, 2008, at about 1941 Pacific daylight time, a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter, registration N612AZ, impacted trees and terrain during its initial climb after takeoff from Helispot 44 (H-44). H-44 was situated at an elevation of approximately 6,000 feet in mountainous terrain near Weaverville, California.
Occupants and Injuries
The pilot-in-command, the safety crewmember, and seven firefighters sustained fatal injuries. The copilot and three firefighters suffered serious injuries. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and a postcrash fire.
Flight Details
The helicopter was operated by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) as a public flight to transport firefighters from H-44 to another helispot. The USFS had contracted with Carson Helicopters, Inc. (CHI) of Grants Pass, Oregon, for the helicopter's services. The aircraft was registered to CHI and leased to Carson Helicopter Services, Inc., also of Grants Pass.
Meteorological and Flight Plan Information
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. A company visual flight rules flight plan had been filed.