MAFFS-equipped C-130 crashes in South Dakota

News > MAFFS-equipped C-130 crashes in South Dakota

MAFFS-equipped C-130 crashes in South Dakota

Posted 7/2/2012

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7/2/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- At approximately 6 p.m. MDT July 1, a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System equipped C-130 aircraft supporting firefighting missions crashed in the southwest corner of South Dakota. The aircraft was supporting the efforts against the White Draw Fire.

The cause of the crash is not known and the incident is under investigation. There are no details on the status of the aircrew available at this time.

MAFFS is a joint DoD and U.S. Forest Service program designed to provide additional aerial firefighting resources when commercial and private airtankers are no longer able to meet the needs of the forest service.

MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system owned by the U.S. Forest Service that can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than 5 seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide. Once the load is discharged, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes.

For more information, contact USNORTHCOM Public Affairs at 719-554-6889 or 719-304-6097.

Comments

7/17/2012 4:17:36 PM ET
God Bless these heroic servicemen and women. I just returned from a deployment where I worked closely with the NCANG folks from charlotte. Great folks and great patriots.

Matt, Maryland

7/3/2012 10:22:04 PM ET
I knew at least one member of the crew from my service in the 145th OSF they and the other crew members were among the finest men in the Air Force and my heart goes out to their friends and families. May God bring speedy recovery to those hospitalized and peace in knowing there husbands sons brothers and fathers died serving honorably doing what they loved to do.

Cam Hedrick MSgt USAFR retired, Purcellville VA

7/3/2012 10:08:44 AM ET
We honor these heros both the 2 who survived as well as the 4 who died in service to our country. As a retired NCANG member, my heart is saddened to hear of these events, much more so because I knew at least 2 of the dead. We pray for the family members, friends, unit and wing of our fallen bretheren. God bless the military and all those who serve.

Kim Rosiek, St. Pete FL

7/3/2012 7:15:15 AM ET
Our thought and prayers with heavy hearts go out for the families of the crew members who lost their lives and thanking the Lord for those who survived and praying for a quick recovery. These are extremely harsh and dangerous conditions to fly in and thankful for those very brave men and women who volunteer to do so.

Jeff Misenheimer NCANG Retired, Rockwell NC

7/2/2012 5:37:15 PM ET
Our entire unit is with you in prayer for your loss. May God comfort the Guard family and the families of those who are now in heaven. Know that we feel your loss as part of the Guard famil.

Debra Thogersen, CI ANG

7/2/2012 5:30:21 PM ET
former Marine Corps C-130 Loadmaster, my heart goes out to all families and squadron brathers and sisters MM

mike minnillo, colorado springs

7/2/2012 4:51:23 PM ET
Thank You for all you do. I am honored to live in a such a great city- Colorado Springs. Never in my life have I seen such humanity and selfless caring. Growing up in Florida and experiencing several hurricanes including Andrew, I have never witnessed such generosity. I am proud to be from Colorado Springs and even more proud of its citizens. Thank you MAFFS.

Brian, KCOS

7/2/2012 4:18:56 PM ET
Dear Heavenly Father be with my friends and there families during this time Prayers for comfort strenght and most af all healing. In Jesus Name Amen

James Faile, SCJNGB

7/2/2012 3:24:10 PM ET
update from local media outlets..CHARLOTTE NC - The crash of a North Carolina-based Air National Guard cargo plane that was fighting wildfires in South Dakota has left at least one crew member dead.The family of Lt. Col. Paul Mikeal of Mooresville confirmed they were notified early Monday that he had died in the C-130 crash on Sunday. The 42-year-old married father of two was a veteran of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.Lt. Col. Rose Dunlap of the 145th Airlift Wing in Charlotte says six crew members were aboard.The North Carolina Air National Guard confirmed that lives were lost in the crash. Other crew members who were injured were taken to Rapid City Regional Hospital. Names and conditions have not been released.The plane went down about 6 p.m. in the southwest corner of South Dakota where it had been dropping flame retardant on the White Draw Fire.The cause of the crash is under investigation and all other MAFFS-equipped C-130s have been grounded.h

BP, SW MN

7/2/2012 2:56:03 PM ET
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families as well as my brothers and sisters in the 145th. May God bless you and strengthen you during this terrible time.

Fred Mahaffey retired NCANG, Fort Mill SC

7/2/2012 2:38:09 PM ET
As a former C-130 pilot and currently a Forest Service firefighter pilot, I am deeply concerned by the possible loss of fellow crew members. I am, however, hopeful that the C-130 a very tough bird allowed them to survive this accident. My heart goes out to family the fellow unit members who are family and the rest of their friends as they await the full report.

CBS, Hickory NC

7/2/2012 2:23:34 PM ET
As part of the 302d MAFFS here at Peterson, our hearts go out to these families. These guys were here helping us with the Waldo Canyon fire and were relocated yesterday to SD to help there. The unit here is devastated with this news as these are our brothers. Please continue your prayers for all that are touched by this tragic news and pass on our condolences to NCANG. God bless.

MS, Colorado Springs

7/2/2012 1:47:14 PM ET
As TJE from TX stated, MAFFS crews have been helping greatly to contain the fires here in Colorado Springs. Most of these crews were Reservists called away from thier families to help ours. May the downed MAFFS crew now fly with the angels.

MR, CO

7/2/2012 1:37:05 PM ET
It was a North Carolina ANG C-130 tail number 92-1454 from the 156th AS145 AW.

Steve, Fort Payne AL

7/2/2012 1:18:13 PM ET
As a former C-130 aircrew member, my prayers go out to the families and friends of these brave crewmembers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending their homeland and citizens from this terrible fire. They are heroes one and all

Keith Bearup, Goodyear AZ

7/2/2012 12:52:21 PM ET
I don't know if the other commenters are in touch with the family to know if they did not survive, but the local reports are saying that the 3 crew members were transported to our regional hospital for treatment. The aircrew reportedly set the plane down in a field. The aircraft was assigned to Peterson AFB co.

SS, Ellsworth AFB SD

7/2/2012 12:34:31 PM ET
To my friends in Charlotte at the NCANG Since I retired I have kept in close contact with the people I worked with. You all have my prayers during this terrible time.

JH, NC

7/2/2012 12:05:50 PM ET
My heart breaks having just learned of this tragedy. May the peace that can only come from our Lord sustain all who have been affected. Our love and prayers go out to the crew families and USANG of Charlotte NC. My husband just retired in Nov. 2011 and had he not he would likey have been on that plane. Thanking the Lord for that...

AW, Gastonia NC

7/2/2012 11:37:14 AM ET
My heart goes out to all those affected by this. My brother died when Sumit38 crashed in 1995....there are no words to express how horrible this loss is.

Carol, colorado springs

7/2/2012 10:40:22 AM ET
Do we know where the crewaircraft is from

SR, NC

7/2/2012 10:36:04 AM ET
Just found out that I lost my good friend in this accident. My prayers go out to his wife and family. He had such a kind soul and he will be truly missed by all.

MB, TN

7/2/2012 10:10:55 AM ET
I just returned from Colorado Springs where the MAFFS crews were key to gaining control over the Waldo Canyon fire and stopping it's spread into more of the city. Our hearts go out to the families of these heros.

TJE, TX

7/2/2012 8:31:39 AM ET
Many prayers for the crew and their families.

RC, GA

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