San Diego aerial firefighter has non-fatal collision
A firefighting helicopter contracted by California’s San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) was involved in a non-fatal collision with a US Navy Seahawk
The collision occurred at around 17:50 hrs on Tuesday 22 November, and was confirmed by the Navy in a statement shortly after.
The two aircraft – a UH-60A operated under contract on behalf of SDG&E, and a US Navy MH-60R Seahawk – collided in flight near Brown Field airport. Both aircraft were able to successfully land following the incident.
According to Navy spokesperson, Ensign Bryan Blair while speaking to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Seahawk was conducting night training when the collision occurred.
The Seahawk is reportedly assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41, based at Naval Air Station North Island – a training squadron for Navy pilots and aircrew.
Speaking to the East County Magazine, an SDG&E spokesperson stated: “We have been made aware of the incident by our contractor, who owns and operates the aircraft, and the most important thing is that all parties are safe.”
San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a new Bell 412 EPX helicopter to aid in wildland firefighting in the area in April.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.