P2V Neptune down in Utah, all 3 crew dead, 25 April 2009

[HogDriver44]

All three crewmembers lost. Operator was Neptune Aviation of Missoula, MT. Don't have a s/n or N-number yet. There are some chilling photos and more details at:

http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_12227046

My deepest condolences to the familes of the crew. This is another reminder that aerial firefighting crews lay it ALL on the line every time. Even when they're not to the scene of the fire yet...

[RyanShort1]

Wow. That's pretty bad. Wonder if there was something wrong or if they were just tragically off. That looks pretty awful.

Ryan

[RCoulter52]

Here is what we have, so far.....

The three crew members killed have been identified as..... Tom Risk, 66, from Littleton, CO, pilot..... Mike Flynn, 59, from Alamogordo, NM, crew member and Brian Buss, 32, from Alberton, MT, crew member.

The plane was T42, a P2V-7, Ser. #150283, N442NA.

This is strictly speculation on my part but, from the articles I've read and the pictures I've seen it appears that they were just not high enough to clear the pass. Visibility is said to have been about 100' at the time of the crash.

My condolences and prayers go out to the families, friends and co-workers in their time of sorrow.

Godspeed and blue skies.

[CAPFlyer]

I knew Tom from my time in Colorado. He was a really nice guy and I know he'll be missed by a lot of the pilots out there. My condolences to all in this time, it's never easy.

[Ztex]

Our prayers are with the crew and their families...