May 9, 2025, 5:45 PM
May 9, 2025, 5:45 PM
Family of firefighter pilot settles for $15 million over helicopter crash
Tragic
- Michael Fournier died in a helicopter crash on August 19, 2020, due to hydraulic system failure while combating a wildfire.
- The family filed a lawsuit against the maintenance company and reached a $15 million settlement.
- The settlement provides accountability for the tragedy and highlights the importance of aircraft safety in emergency services.
In Southern California, a helicopter pilot named Michael Fournier tragically lost his life while combating a wildfire. This incident happened on August 19, 2020, as Fournier was conducting water drops over rugged terrain for the Hills Fire, located about ten miles south of Coalinga. His helicopter, a bright red Bell UH-1H, suddenly crashed into a hillside, leading to an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. The investigation revealed that the crash was due to a hydraulic system failure, which Fournier had reported to air traffic control moments before the incident.
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