On September 29, 1990, a Lockheed P-2 Neptune (registration N65170) operated by Black Hills Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Wynoochee Lake, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft lost control during a climb immediately following the aerial release of fire retardant. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A firefighting mission involving a Cessna 172N ended in a fatal crash near Wynoochee Dam after the aircraft lost control during a climb.
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.
Probable cause
The aircraft lost control during a climb immediately following the aerial release of fire retardant.