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SEAT Accident (Colorado) – August 27, 2008

This Day in History is a brief summary of a powerful learning opportunity and is not intended to second guess or be judgmental of decisions and actions. Put yourself in the following situation as if you do not know the outcome. What are the conditions? What are you thinking? What are YOU doing?

Incident Summary:

A Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) is directed by Air Attack to drop on the right flank of the Flat Bush Fire. During the first retardant drop the SEAT’s flight pattern takes the aircraft in close proximity to staged firefighters and vehicles. During the drop sequence the pilot’s side cockpit door comes open and forces him to abbreviate the drop. The pilot relays to Air Attack that he has a problem with his “door”, and having just seen the abbreviated drop, Air Attack assumes the problem door is the retardant gate. He asks several times about the status of the pilot and aircraft. At no time did Air Attack understand that the problem was actually with the cockpit door. The pilot requests to jettison the remaining retardant. Air Attack assumes the problem is corrected and asks the pilot to reinforce the previous drop. The pilot agrees with this request.

On approach for the second drop, the pilot uses an aggressive turn at low altitude to align the aircraft for the drop. The approach is directly over the top of the firefighters again. As a result of the aggressive maneuver, the aircraft stalls and crashes. Debris from the accident damages two wildland fire engines and narrowly misses the six firefighters. The aircraft’s engine lands just 6 feet from an occupied vehicle. The crew is unharmed, the vehicles receive minor shrapnel damage, and although the aircraft is destroyed, the pilot only receives minor injuries.

Discussion Points:

Aerial photo of the mishap site.Apply the concept of LCES to this incident; not from a fire perspective but an aviation point of view.

(L) Lookouts look for hazards (situations and actions) and communicate them. Aircraft flying directly overhead are a hazard. Helicopters accidentally release longlines, buckets and sling loads multiple times each season. Water and retardant drops often miss intended targets, creating the potential for injury by the drops themselves or debris from vegetation.

  • What are options for mitigation if your lookout or others recognize ground forces in a flight path?

(C) Communication: If you see something wrong…say something!

  • Who should ground forces communicate with in the instance of being in a flight path?​

(E & S) Just as for wildland fire, escape routes and safety zones are needed for aviation operations as well. Keep in mind that if something goes wrong with an aircraft, ground crews may not have time to move to a safer location.

  • How can we prepare for and attempt to avoid being in a flight path?

References:

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This Day in History

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NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

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References:

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NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

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Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

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