Jun 14, 1996
Accident
Destroyed ORACLE, AZ
Injuries1 minor
Phase of Flight-
ConditionsVMC
OperationFAR 137
Probable Cause
the pilot's improper decision to turn toward rising terrain, without releasing or jettisoning the load of fire retardant, while maneuvering at slow airspeed, which resulted in a stall/mush and collision with the terrain. Factors relating to the accident were: the proximity of rising terrain, and high density altitude.
NTSB LAX96LA230