A pilot and one crew member died after their firefighting helicopter crashed while battling a large wildfire in central Utah on Friday, August 9, 2026.

The Sikorsky S-64 ‘Skycrane’, operated by Helicopter Transport Services under contract with the United States Forest Service, went down near Richfield in the Three Creeks Reservoir area, close to the southeastern edge of the Widemouth 2 fire, at about 10 a.m. local time.

The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) confirmed the deaths more than 24 hours after the crash, describing the crew members as “fatally injured” and extended condolences to their families. Rescue teams were unable to reach the wreckage immediately due to major fire conditions and steep terrain.

Deputy incident commander Tyler Hecht said crews took a “tactical pause” to regroup after the crash but resumed firefighting operations promptly. Hecht emphasized, “It’s not going to change how we operate. We’re going to continue to fight fire and utilize aircraft to support our firefighters on the ground.”

Despite the tragedy, wildfire suppression efforts in Utah continue, with containment standing at 24 percent.

Sources