Pilot Killed In Colorado Firefighting Aircraft Accident

# Colorado Pilots Association News Synopsis

A firefighting helicopter operating in support of the Gold Mountain Fire in southwestern Gunnison County crashed into Silver Jack Reservoir on July 13, killing the pilot. The Kaman K-MAX helicopter (N40HX) operated by Helicopter Express was engaged in fire suppression operations when it entered the reservoir; the cause remains under investigation. This accident underscores the inherent hazards that general aviation pilots face during wildfire support operations in Colorado’s challenging mountain terrain.