CA, US & World
NTSB: California Firefighting Helicopter Collision Caused by Pilot’s Rapid Descent
A fatal midair collision between two firefighting helicopters in 2023 was caused by a pilot flying above the cleared altitude and then making a rapid descent into congested airspace, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The accident occurred on August 6, 2023, during the Broadway Fire near Cabazon in Riverside County. Investigators found that a Sikorsky S-64E Skycrane, assigned as a helitanker, entered the fire’s airspace at 4,000 feet, well above its cleared maximum altitude of 2,500 feet. In attempting to correct altitude with a rapid descent, the Skycrane collided with a Bell 407 helicopter, which was on a coordinator training flight.
The Skycrane’s wheel assembly struck the Bell’s main rotor just three seconds after beginning its descent. The impact caused an explosion that separated the Bell’s tail boom, rotor, mast, and transmission, sending the fuselage crashing into the ground. All three people on board the Bell were killed.
The Skycrane sustained only minor damage and made an emergency landing in a nearby field. The two crew members inside were uninjured.
The NTSB report noted that communication difficulties likely contributed to the crash, as mountainous terrain disrupted radio signals between the helicopters and the Air Tactical Group Supervisor. The board concluded that the Skycrane pilot should have informed air command of the inability to maintain the assigned altitude and warned of the aggressive descent.
Both helicopters had departed from Hemet-Ryan Airport, east of Los Angeles, and were among six aircraft battling the wildfire. The Broadway Fire began when a structure fire spread into nearby vegetation, prompting a multi-agency aerial response.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 12, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
The midterms inch closer and the prices get higher
The hiring of interim City Manager Jim Vanderpool is drawing criticism online over allegations of previous homophobic remarks and harassment. Vanderpool is pushing back, saying the complaint at the center of the controversy was misinterpreted. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for the full report #palmsprings #lgbtqcommunity #coachellavalley #localnews #760
🦷🇺🇸 George Washington’s teeth had a story of their own… and trust us, it’s WILD. 😂👀 Forget the cherry tree—this is the history lesson nobody saw coming! 🍒🤯 Would YOU want to know the truth? 👇😂 🎭 Catch the laughs with Mann on the Aisle! #MannOnTheAisle #GeorgeWashington #WeirdHistory #HistoryFacts #comedytheatre
As Palm Springs Pride organizers prepare for the annual celebration, one local organization is questioning the reasons why they won’t be allowed to participate. Our @newsbyalondra has the full story in the 5,6 and 11 p.m newscast.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding three city council candidate forums ahead of the November Election. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com to hear from the President of the Chamber of Commerce who breaks down what residents should know about what they can expect from these forums. #coachellavalley #elections2026 #localnews #citycouncil #candidateforum
Small mistake or a matter of transparency? What’s your take? Drop a comment below 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #desertrecreationdistrict #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
Engineering students craft a robot that takes down a 4x4 Rubik's Cube in less than 10-seconds.
Watch a gargantuan, 5.7-mile-long train nab a world record as it disappears over the horizon!
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you do yoga?
When we took a closer look at the Desert Recreation District, the numbers and details just didn’t line up. What are your thoughts on this? Drop your take in the comments👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #desertrecreationdistrict #nbcpalmsprings