Bell 407 and Sikorsky Skycrane Collide over Riverside County

A mid-air collision involving two firefighting helicopters claimed the lives of three crew-members on Sunday, 06 August 2023.

The helicopters, a Bell 407 spotter aircraft and a water-dropping Sikorsky Skycrane, were fighting a wildfire in the vicinity of the Cabazon, an unincorporated community in the Golden State’s Riverside County.

The Bell 407 landed safely. The Skycrane, regrettably, impacted ground; a post-impact fire set off an additional four-acre fire.

Addressing the mishap at a Monday morning press conference, CAL FIRE Southern Region Chief David Fulcher stated: “Unfortunately, the second helicopter crashed and tragically all three members perished which included one Cal Fire Division chief, one Cal Fire captain and one contract client pilot.”

In a subsequent statement, California Governor Gavin Newsome identified the victims as 46-year-old CAL FIRE Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, 44-year-old CAL FIRE Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, and 55-year-old contract pilot Tony Sousa. Flags at the state capitol in Sacramento were lowered to half-staff in the decedents’ honor.

Newsome set forth: “On behalf of all Californians, our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the loved ones, friends and CAL FIRE colleagues mourning the loss of Assistant Chief Bischof, Fire Captain Rodriguez, and Pilot Sousa. This terrible tragedy is a reminder of the dangers our courageous firefighters face daily while working to keep our communities safe. We owe them our deepest respect and gratitude and will always honor their bravery and sacrifices."

Chief Fulcher reported CAL FIRE and Riverside County Fire Department resources had been dispatched to a reported structure fire near the intersection of Broadway Street and South Ronda Avenue in Cabazon. Shortly after the first engine company’s arrival, the fire was reported to have extended into surrounding vegetation, and a full wildland fire dispatch—to include fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft—was initiated.

Chief Fulcher added: “Although this was a tragic event, we are also thankful today that it wasn’t worse. The individuals in the first helicopter [Bell 407] were able to land safely without incident and no one else was hurt.”

The helicopter pilot was performing work under contract with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, fire captain and spokesman Richard Cordova said Sunday evening, referring to the Bell 407. Conditions were clear in the area with breezy winds. They were good conditions to fly in.”

Cordova conceded in-flight collisions are rare, but have occurred during previous California wildfires.

To honor the fallen, firefighters stood atop fire engines and saluted as a procession for the victims passed under a U.S. flag suspended between two ladder trucks.

An investigation of the accident has been undertaken by the National Transportation Safety Board.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov