Accident Details
A Tri-Motor aircraft operating a flight from Grangeville to Moose Creek airstrip on the Nezperce National Forest crashed during landing. The purpose of the flight was to deliver goods to the backcountry airstrip and to drop two smokejumpers on a fire burning on Pettibone Ridge. Aboard the aircraft were a forest supervisor, a smokejumper foreman, and two smokejumpers.
While landing at Moose Creek to drop off supplies before proceeding to drop the smokejumpers, the aircraft went off the dirt runway and struck trees at the end of the strip. The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames.
Occupants and Cargo
The aircraft carried four individuals: a forest supervisor, a smokejumper foreman, and two smokejumpers. In addition to personnel, the aircraft was transporting goods destined for the Moose Creek airstrip.
Crash Location
The accident occurred at Moose Creek, a backcountry airstrip located in the Nezperce National Forest. The runway surface was dirt, and the aircraft collided with trees beyond the end of the runway.