What happened
Following an earlier crash of a Cessna 172N, registered N738AQ, in the Olympic National Forest, a firefighting mission was initiated in the vicinity of Lake Wynoochee. The crew was tasked with aerial suppression efforts to combat a fire in the area. During the operation, the aircraft released fire retardant over the target zone. Immediately following the drop, the crew attempted to climb, but the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control. The plane subsequently impacted a heavily wooded area situated near the Wynoochee Dam.
Findings
- The accident resulted in two fatalities.
- The loss of control occurred during the climb phase of the mission following the release of retardant.