Twin-Engine Aircraft Crash in Safford Region During Fire Control Mission (N140X)

Incident Overview and Context The aircraft was operating on a local fire control mission when it crashed in the region of Safford. The source describes the aircraft as a twin-engine airplane, but it does not provide a specific model, registration, operator, or exact date. Both occupants were killed in the accident. ## Investigation Findings The official investigation determined that the probable cause was loss of control in mountainous terrain for an undetermined reason. The source notes that there were no witnesses to the steep nose-down impact. Because the circumstances of the crash were not fully established, the investigation did not identify a specific mechanical failure, pilot error, or external factor as the cause.