Helicopter pilot killed during firefighting operations in Mt. Hood National Forest

MOUNT HOOD, Ore. — A helicopter pilot was killed in a crash while helping fight a wildfire in the Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon.

According to Suzanne Flory with the Northwest Region of the USDA Forest Service, the helicopter was doing bucket drops on the White River fire to help battle the flames burning in rough terrain.

When the Type 1 Kmax helicopter crashed, Wasco County Sheriff's Office and USDA Forest Service air and ground personnel responded at the accident site.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration were notified.

“The firefighting community is heartbroken to learn of this tragic loss and our condolences go out to the pilot’s family, friends, and co-workers,” Flory said in a news release.

The fire was discovered on August 17, 20 miles west of Wamic, Ore. It was caused by lighting, the Forest Service said.

The fire so far has burned 1,102 acres and its perimeter is 5 percent contained.

Cox Media Group