Pilot Killed In The Line Of Duty

One of 8 aircraft fighting a wildfire near Fallon, Nevada went down Thursday, killing the pilot.  No cause has been determined for the accident, and the name of the pilot has not yet been released.

Air Tractor 802 File Photo

The aircraft, and Air Tractor 802, had been converted from a crop duster for use in fire suppression. It belonged to Minuteman Aviation. It went down mid-afternoon at the north end of the Clan Alpine Range

Mark Struble, Bureau of Land Management fire information officer, said the pilot died in Lovelock after being flown there by helicopter. “We are greatly saddened with the loss of any firefighter,” said Ron Wenker, the Bureau of Land Management State Director for Nevada. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of this courageous pilot.”

Multiple sources including The Lohantan Valley News report that the aircraft was based in McDermitt, Nevada, and was assigned to the BLM's Battle Mountain District's air tanker operations.

The fire, known as the Hoyt Fire, has burned about 1300 acres. It's in a remote area, and no structures are threatened. About 90 firefighters are working to contain the blaze.

FMI: www.blm.gov