US Firefighting Helicopter Crashes near Coalinga, California

[FD2]

A firefighting helicopter (UH-1H) has crashed on a water dropping mission near Coalinga, California. Sadly the pilot, sole occupant has died.

This article states that the aircraft was manufactured in 2009. I know the Huey is a brilliant machine but were they still being made in 2009? Perhaps it was converted for fire duties in 2009.

https://wildfiretoday.com/2020/08/19/cr ... alifornia/

[FD2]

Wikipedia states that over 5,400 UH-1H models were made - amazing.

[TheGreenGoblin]

And all the oldest and dodgiest of that marque are probably being flown in South Africa!

[TheGreenGoblin]

The last of the Hueys was manufactured in 1976 but as FD2 implies, Trigger''s broom pertains in many cases.

[G~Man]

This article states that the aircraft was manufactured in 2009. I know the Huey is a brilliant machine but were they still being made in 2009? Perhaps it was converted for fire duties in 2009.

The 2009 date is confusing. The aircraft was manufactured way before this date. The 2009 date is when the aircraft was first issued a "restricted" category type certificate after being converted from the military.

I have flown this actual aircraft a few times.

[PHXPhlyer]

Glad to hear from you G-Man.
Stay safe.

PP