Utah firefighting helicopter crash kills two crew members
A Sikorsky S-64 firefighting helicopter crashed near Richfield, Utah, on Friday, August 7, 2026, while battling the Widemouth 2 wildfire in the Fishlake National Forest. The aircraft was one of seven helicopters deployed to fight the blaze, which was ignited by lightning on July 27.
Federal officials have confirmed that the two crew members on board were killed in the accident. Emergency responders faced significant challenges in accessing the crash site due to the remote, steep terrain and the ongoing activity of the wildfire. The crash also sparked a new fire, which merged with the existing Widemouth 2 Fire, increasing the overall area burned to approximately 174 square miles.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash. The Widemouth 2 Fire has destroyed at least six structures and has been characterized by extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures, erratic winds, and dry vegetation. More than 600 personnel remain engaged in firefighting efforts.
Entities: Federal Aviation Administration · Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) · Fishlake National Forest · Helicopter Transport Services · National Transportation Safety Board · National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) · Richfield, Utah · Sikorsky S-64 (Skycrane) helicopter · Sikorsky S-64 firefighting helicopter · Sikorsky S-64 helicopter · Sikorsky S‑64 Skycrane helicopter · Sikorsky S‑64 helicopter
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 16 SOURCES] The fire had burned about 165 square miles (427 square km) and was 19% contained by Friday. (The fire had burned about 165 square miles (427 square km) and was 19% contained by Friday.)
- [● 9 SOURCES] The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash. (The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash.)
- [● 15 SOURCES] The crash occurred near Richfield, Utah, about 160 miles (258 km) south of Salt Lake City. (The crash occurred near Richfield, Utah, about 160 miles south of Salt Lake City.)
- [● 16 SOURCES] The fire was caused by a lightning strike on July 27. (The Widemouth 2 Fire was caused by a lightning strike on July 27.)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Access to the crash site may be delayed due to ongoing wildfire conditions. (multiple articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Two people were aboard the helicopter. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] A helicopter fighting a wildfire in Utah crashed on Friday, August 7, 2026. (Associated Press reports)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Red flag warnings were in effect, with erratic winds, dry fuels, high temperatures and potential dry thunderstorms. (Associated Press)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Emergency crews were dispatched to the crash site immediately. (all)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Two people were aboard the helicopter; their condition was not immediately known. (all)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The fire had burned about 165 square miles (427 km²). (multiple articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] More than 600 firefighters are engaged in fighting the fire. (multiple articles)