Accident Brief DA-NWS-26124

Two Firefighters Killed in Helicopter Crash Near Widemouth 2 Fire, Utah on August 7, 2026

Status Investigation Ongoing Updated Aug 13, 2026
Sikorsky S-64 helicopter reference aircraft photograph
Reference image of a Sikorsky S-64 helicopter; this is not the accident aircraft or crash scene. Wikimedia Commons - Coconino National Forest - CC BY-SA 2.0.
By

This report is compiled from the cited public sources and updated when verified information becomes available.

Developing report: This report separates confirmed information from details that remain under investigation. It is updated when reliable new information becomes available.

Accident quick facts

Accident date 2026-08-07
Local time around 10:00 a.m.
Location near Widemouth 2 Fire, Utah
Aircraft Sikorsky S-64 helicopter
People on board 2
Reported injuries 2 fatalities
Report status Investigation Ongoing

What happened

On August 7, 2026, a Sikorsky S-64 helicopter engaged in firefighting operations crashed near the Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah. Both crew members aboard were killed in the crash.

Aircraft and flight information

The aircraft involved was a Sikorsky S-64 helicopter, commonly used for aerial firefighting. The identities of the crew and details about the flight’s origin and destination have not been released.

Emergency response

Emergency personnel responded to the crash site near the wildfire. Unfortunately, both occupants were confirmed deceased.

Investigation status

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. The NTSB is leading the investigation and will provide updates as they become available.

What officials and reports have confirmed

  • A Sikorsky S-64 helicopter crashed near the Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah on August 7, 2026. [1] [2]
  • Two crew members were killed in the crash. [1] [2]

Accident and investigation timeline

  1. 2026-08-07 around 10:00 a.m.: Sikorsky S-64 firefighting helicopter crashed near Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah, killing two crew members [1] [2]

What remains unknown

  • Exact cause of the crash
  • Details about the firefighting mission
  • Pilot and crew identities

Investigating agencies: Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board.

Leave a Reply