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Officials: Airtanker that crashed in Australia fought California fires
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – State officials said that an airtanker that crashed Thursday while battling Australia’s devastating wildland fires had been involved in suppressing California’s fires last year as part of the state’s C-130 airtanker program.
While working in the Snowy Monaro Area in southern New South Wales, Australia, the large Lockheed C-130 Hercules airtanker (N134CG) owned by Portland, Oregon-based Coulson Aviation crashed, killing all three crew members.
Coulson Aviation identified the three crew members who died as Capt. Ian H. McBeth, 44, of Great Falls, Montana; First Officer Paul Clyde Hudson, 42, of Buckeye Arizona; and Flight Engineer Rick A. DeMorgan Jr., 43, of Navarre, Florida.
The airtanker, built in 1981 according to Federal Aviation Administration records, had departed Richmond in New South Wales with a load of retardant and was on a firebombing mission when it hit terrain and burst into flames near Cooma, according to a crash narrative.
State officials reported that the tanker was operating on contract with Australia’s Rural Fire Service. Australian authorities are investigating the incident.
“Jennifer and I are heartbroken to learn of the air tanker crash in Australia that claimed the lives of three heroic American firefighters,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a Thursday statement. “We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the crew, their friends and loved ones, and our own Cal Fire family who worked, fought fires, and trained with the crew of Tanker 134. This tragic accident reminds us all of the too-high cost of the scourge of wildfires, as well as the sacrifice of first responders from around the world. California and Australia, already united by the deadly threat of wildfires, now grieve this tragic loss together.”
This C-130 Hercules was the same one seen at McClellan Air Force Base during an event Gov. Newsom hosted with former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Aug. 1, 2019 to highlight the state’s new firefighting equipment.
This C-130 was used as a training platform in 2019 for future pilots of the Cal Fire C-130 program, and was instrumental in 2019 as part of the aviation resources used to battle the devastating wildfires across California, including the Kincade fire in Sonoma County, which was the largest wildfire in California last year, state officials said.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the crew from Tanker 134 that were lost during a tragic crash while battling the devastating Australia fires. Cal Fire stands with you during this difficult time,” said Cal Fire Chief Porter.
McBeth was a highly qualified and respected C-130 pilot with many years fighting fires, both in the military and with Coulson Aviation. He has spent his entire career flying C-130s and was a qualified instructor and evaluator pilot. McBeth earned his Initial Attack qualification for Coulson in 2018.
He served with the Wyoming Air National Guard and was still a member of the Montana Air National Guard.
He leaves behind his wife, Bowdie; children, Abigail, Calvin and Ella; as well as his parents and siblings.
Hudson graduated from the Naval Academy in 1999 and spent the next 20 years serving in the
United States Marine Corp in a number of positions including C-130 pilot. He retired as a lieutenant colonel and received many decorations during his career. He earned master’s degrees in both business administration and information technology management from the Naval Postgraduate School.
He is survived by his wife, Noreen.
DeMorgan served in the United States Air Force with 18 years as a flight engineer on the C-130. He had more than 4,000 hours as a flight engineer with nearly 2,000 hours in a combat
environment. His passion was always flying and his children.
He is survived by his two children, Lucas and Logan, his parents and sister.
“At Coulson Aviation, we have the incredible job of fighting fires around the world and we take pride in this responsibility,” the company said in a Thursday statement. “Right now, our hearts are with the crew’s family and friends and our Coulson Family suffering in the loss of these three remarkable and well-respected crewmembers. We as a company are committed to supporting the families of our fallen heroes through this tragedy.”
Coulson Aviation said its crews on the other aircraft “will be returning to work in the very near future as they are dedicated to the job we are required to do. We must continue to work with emergency services to protect local communities.”
The statement added, “The aviation industry and emergency service sector is a small community both in Australia and around the world. This will be deeply felt by all. We honor the amazing crews who do incredible things in dangerous circumstances supported by world-class operations. We are incredibly moved by the outpouring and support from those in Australia and around the world. Thank you for recognizing the work that our crews do and for expressing your condolences and grief for the families of our fallen heroes.”