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Pilot identified in crash of air tanker in Idaho

Schill Fire. BLM photo.Updated September 23, 2020 | 3:40 p.m. MDTThe Bureau of Land Management has provided more information about the crash of a single engine air tanker:“On Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, at approximately 7 p.m. MDT, a Single Engine Air Tanker with one pilot on board was involved in a fatal accident during initial attack operations on the Schill Fire, located approximately 2 miles southeast of Emmett.“The pilot, Ricky Fulton, perished. The aircraft, T-857, was owned by Aero S.E.A.T. Incorporated and was on an on-call contract with BLM Fire and Aviation at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. Firefighters on the scene rendered medical aid to the pilot and called for Life Flight, but the pilot did not survive his injuries.“The 30-acre Schill Fire started at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22 in grass and brush in steep terrain. It was contained at approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday. The cause of the Schill Fire is under investigation.”Originally published September 23, 2020 | 8:58 a.m. MDTThe Bureau of Land Management announced that the pilot of a single engine air tanker (SEAT) was killed Tuesday evening September 22 while working on a wildfire near Emmett, Idaho. The agency said more information will be released following family notifications.KTVB reported the accident occurred near Pearl Road about two miles southeast of Emmett. The fire started around 4:30 p.m. and grew to 25 acres as two SEATs and one helicopter assisted firefighters on the ground. According to the Gem County Sheriff’s Office, the air tanker was dropping retardant when it went down.#BLMBOD and multiple cooperators are fighting the #SchillFire near Emmett, Idaho. 25+ acres. No closures or structures threatened. Estimated containment at 10 pm tonight. Estimated control at 6 pm tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/BJaXT6KABa— Bureau of Land Management Idaho Fire (@BLMIdahoFire) September 23, 2020This is the sixth firefighting pilot and the third SEAT pilot to be killed in the United States this year. In addition, three members of the crew of a C-130 from the U.S. died when their air tanker crashed January 23, 2020 while fighting a bushfire in New South Wales, Australia.Our sincere condolences go out to the pilot’s family, friends, and co-workers.Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Steve, and Tom.
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Author: Bill Gabbert
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