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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayNTSB preliminary report says the Skycrane pilots radioed that they had a problem before issuing a mayday as their helicopter struck rising terrain near the Widemouth 2 Fire
August 19, 2026 08:19 AM •
SEVIER COUNTY, Utah — The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report on the helicopter crash that killed two pilots while they were battling the Widemouth 2 Fire in central Utah.
The report provides new details about the Aug. 7 crash that killed pilots Miles Elliott and Chris Andersen.
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Elliott and Andersen were flying a Sikorsky CH-54A Skycrane Helitanker equipped with a 2,650-gallon water tank and retractable hover-snorkel system. Both worked for Helicopter Transport Services under contract with the U.S. Forest Service.
The NTSB said the helicopter crashed 23 minutes after taking off from Richfield Municipal Airport at 10:21 a.m.
After coordinating with an aerial supervisor, the crew filled the helicopter’s water tank and flew to the requested drop location. The pilots made an initial pass to confirm the target and told supervisors they would make another pass before dropping the water.
As the helicopter made a right turn, it disappeared behind a knoll. The crew then radioed “we have a problem,” before issuing a mayday call, their final communication, according to the NTSB.
The NTSB said the helicopter struck rising terrain, but the cause remains under investigation. Much of the aircraft was destroyed by fire; some components were recovered for testing, while the rest will be collected when conditions are safe.
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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.
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