Incident Overview
The accident occurred while the crew was engaged in a firefighting mission in the region of Salmon, Idaho. The aircraft was cruising at a low height when the crew failed to realize that its speed had become too low. This led to an aerodynamic stall, and the airplane subsequently crashed in flames.
Aircraft Damage and Occupants
The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and ensuing fire. Both crew members on board were killed in the accident.
Official Probable Cause
According to the official investigation findings, the probable cause of the accident was the crew's failure to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors included unfavorable wind conditions, the presence of downdrafts or updrafts, and the inherently high-risk nature of the flight operation.