What happened
During a mission intended for firefighting, an aircraft departed from Greybull to engage in aerial operations. While operating at a low altitude, the aircraft entered an area obscured by heavy smoke. During this phase of flight, the plane collided with the tops of trees, resulting in a crash within a heavily wooded region. The impact caused the aircraft to ignite, and both pilots lost their lives in the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified several environmental factors that contributed to the collision. The presence of smoke significantly limited visibility for the crew, making it difficult to identify hazards in the flight path. Specifically, the investigation noted that high-altitude obstructions were present and partially hidden from view. The aircraft's right wing made contact with the tallest trees in its trajectory, leading to the fatal impact.