What happened
During an aerial firefighting mission, an aircraft was conducting maneuvers over an active fire zone. After completing an initial dry pass through the area, the plane circled back to perform a second pass intended to release 2,450 gallons of fire retardant. During this maneuver, witnesses observed the aircraft in a flight attitude characterized by a low nose and a right wing dipped downward. The plane subsequently collided with trees, leading to an explosion and intense fire upon impact with the ground.
The crew consisted of two individuals: a captain seated in the right seat and a first officer, who was an initial attack trainee, seated in the left seat. Both occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident.
Findings
Post-crash investigations into the mechanical state of the plane found no evidence that any engine, propeller, airframe, or flight control components had malfunctioned or failed prior to the collision.
However, toxicological analysis of the first officer's kidney and liver fluids revealed the presence of brompheniramine and chlorpheniramine. These substances are common over-the-counter antihistamines known for their sedative properties. The investigation concluded that the crash was caused by the failure of the pilot trainee to maintain necessary clearance from trees and a lack of sufficient oversight by the captain.