SD-BKF-MAFFS C-130 Crash

**rmm** · 07-02-2012, 12:22

One crew member confirmed fatality...

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/view...ll|text|News|s

**Reddgroom** · 07-02-2012, 12:53

At least one confirmed fatality in South Dakota from a C-130 MAFFS tanker crash. Word is still pending on the condition of the remainder of the crew. One report said that 3 were transported with injuries.

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/loc...a4bcf887a.html

See the White Draw thread in the Rocky Mountains area for more info.

**NCwildland** · 07-02-2012, 13:20

According to the Air Force the was one of the C-130's for NC and that there were casualties but the number was not given. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them.

**rotors** · 07-02-2012, 14:12

***INITIAL ACCIDENT INFORMATION and NOTIFICATION FORM***

Date and Time: 7/01/12
Initially Reported By – Name / GACC: Region 2
NICC Coordinator on Duty: xxx
Location of Accident - GACC / Unit / Incident Name: White Draw Fire, Black Hills, SD
Fatalities – Number: 4
Injuries – Number: Two survivors, status unknown
Aircraft Involved - Make / Model / Tail # / Owner: MAFFS #07 North Carolina
Vehicle Involved - Make / Model / Agency: C-130H

***Cause, names and employing agencies, additional information***
A BLM ASM platform was also engaged as a lead with the C130 when the accident occurred. The ASM/Lead experienced a severe downdraft while approaching the intended retardant drop zone with the C130 in trail. This is being investigated by the USFS as a separate Incident With Potential.

No additional Information is available at this time -

**rmm** · 07-02-2012, 15:20

Staff notes from Black Hills NF that were sent out this afternoon confirmed that the surviving two crew members are in Rapid City Regional Hospital in critical condition. Requests for information should be directed to 719-554-6889.

**abercrombie** · 07-02-2012, 15:47

Just got a note that

NIFC will be hosting two dignitaries on the campus tomorrow, July 3, from 1330-1530. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will be here for a short briefing to gain perspective on the current and expected wildland fire situation.

NIFC Security will be putting up a couple of barriers on the main floor of the Jack Wilson Building from 1-3 pm Tuesday. These barriers are not meant to impede official NIFC business, but to keep news media visitors in the appropriate part of the building. The Secret Service has asked that non-essential foot traffic in the Jack Wilson be limited during the 1:00-3:30 pm time period.

My thoughts and prayers for the fallen and their families, and thoughts of speedy recovery for the injured. Ab.

**Hilbille** · 07-02-2012, 20:36

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-...-deadly-crash/

Thoughts and prayers are with families, friends, and the communities of those involved with this incident..

**Hilbille** · 07-03-2012, 07:51

Rapid City News 0730 update:
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/dau...40e8e2434.html

**Mellie** · 07-03-2012, 10:01

The military is going to release the names of the remaining fallen and provide information on the condition of the two in the hospital

at 2 PM North Carolina time or at 11:00 Pacific time, in a little over an hour...
I believe CNN is televising this.

What we know...

Lost are:
Lt. Col. Paul Mikeal, age 42, of Mooresville, NC; Lt. Colonel in the N.C. Air National Guard & pilot
Master Sgt. Robert Cannon, of Charlotte, NC
two more, names as yet unknown...

Injured are:
Josh Marlowe, age 28, of Shelby, NC, condition upgraded from critical to serious
one other, name as yet unknown.

Also, I don't know if it's on this thread yet, but there were two incidents that occurred within the White Draw Fire Incident:

The first was the MAFFS crash, the investigation of which is under the lead of DOD.

The second is a possible investigation relating to the Lead Plane's experience at the same time. The lead did not crash, but this statement was sent to me or Ab or... or I found it somewhere...

A BLM ASM platform was also engaged as a lead with the C130 when the accident occurred. The ASM (Aerial Supervision Module)/Lead experienced a severe downdraft while approaching the intended retardant drop zone with the C130 in trail. This is being investigated by the USFS as a separate Incident With Potential.

There is also a meeting at NIFC this afternoon, from 1330-1530 Mountain time. Those of you who can make it, please let us know what happens.

NIFC will be hosting two dignitaries on the campus tomorrow, July 3, from 1330-1530. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will be here for a short briefing to gain perspective on the current and expected wildland fire situation. NIFC Security will be putting up a couple of barriers on the main floor of the Jack Wilson Building from 1-3 pm Tuesday. These barriers are not meant to impede official NIFC business, but to keep news media visitors in the appropriate part of the building. The Secret Service has asked that non-essential foot traffic in the Jack Wilson be limited during the 1:00-3:30 pm time period.

Thanks to the WFF for making the arrangements to get immediate help to the families of the fallen. If it wasn't for donations of this community to the WFF we would never be able to touch the lives of the military in this way. All of the fallen have children in their homes.

If anyone has a few bucks to kick in to help keep our community's safety net going, please do so. DONATE to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation... or Click "Giving".

**Hilbille** · 07-03-2012, 12:48

Updated to four:
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/mil...40e8e2434.html
Lt. Col. Paul K. Mikeal, Maj. Joseph M. McCormick, Maj. Ryan S. David and Senior Master Sgt. Robert S. Cannon