Man dies in helicopter crash while fighting Clear Fire
A man is dead after his helicopter crashed while assisting in firefighting efforts on the Clear Fire, according to Alaska State Troopers.
(Google Maps)
Published: Jun. 27, 2022 at 2:22 AM AKDT|Updated: 6 hours ago
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A man is dead after his helicopter crashed while assisting in firefighting efforts on the Clear Fire, according to Alaska State Troopers.
According to an online dispatch, troopers received a report of the crash near mile marker 280 of the Parks Highway around 7:42 p.m. Sunday evening.
According to troopers, the pilot and sole occupant was identified as 56-year-old Douglas Ritchie of Wasilla.
Troopers say Ritchie was operating a Northern Pioneer Helicopters 1960 Bell 204B “Huey” when it crashed while landing at the Anderson Airport’s helipad.