Crashed firefighting-equipped C-130 from North Carolina ANG

News > Crashed firefighting-equipped C-130 from North Carolina ANG

Crashed firefighting-equipped C-130 from North Carolina ANG

Posted 7/2/2012

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7/2/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- The North Carolina Air National Guard - and indeed the National Guard across all of North Carolina and the country - is grieving today.

The military C-130 equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, otherwise known as MAFFS, that crashed while battling a fire in Southwestern South Dakota at approximately 6:30 p.m. mountain time Sunday belonged to the North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing based at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

There were casualties, and our thoughts and prayers go out to those who were injured and those who lost their lives. The family members of these Airmen are especially on our minds. We will provide further details on the status of the casualties soon.

The cause of the crash has not been determined, and the incident is under investigation. At the time of the crash, the crew was fighting the White Draw Fire near the town of Edgemont, S.D.

As a prudent measure, the MAFFS-equipped C-130s are on an operational hold at the present time.

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said the agency is deeply saddened by this tragic incident. "The agency fully supports the decision by the military to stand-down its MAFFS operation to address the needs of personnel and families and ensure the safety of the mission when it resumes. The agency will continue to allocate available firefighting assets according to the prioritization of incidents."

Comments

7/30/2012 9:12:36 PM ET
I LOST A LOVED ONE ON THIS FLIGHTBUT IN RETURN MY FAMILY HAS GAINED A NEW FAMILY WITH THE LOVING ARMS OF THE ANG. THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT. SMSgt ROBBIE CANNON FAMILY 145TH ANG CHARLOTTE N.C. MASTF 7

E Wrenn, CharlotteN.C.

7/8/2012 8:36:15 PM ET
It's never too late to pray for our young folks in Uniform here or in Harm's Way. We know throughout our life there are those who step up to the plate at first sign of volunteerism. Prayers go to those fine folks who stepped up to volunteer to fly into harms way for those who live and rely on them. Our prayers also go out to those who lost love ones and their familiesGod Bless

Msg R Burnham Sr USAFRet, New Jersey

7/3/2012 10:56:58 PM ET
My prayers for the families who are hurting. Thank you to these men and all who put themselves in service of our country here at home and overseas.

Barbara Vargo, Rapid City SD

7/3/2012 1:51:01 PM ET
RIP Airmen. Our thoughts and prayers are with your families and loved ones.

W. Wolverton LTC USAR Ret., Picatinny Arsenal NJ

7/3/2012 12:31:53 PM ET
All Hercules Operators and Maintainers grieve today.

John, Niagara Falls

7/3/2012 10:28:01 AM ET
Our thoughts and Prayer's with our N.C ANG Family Sincere condolences.

SMSgt Ret Sofia Bourcier, 146 AW Channel Islands ANGS CA

7/3/2012 1:08:02 AM ET
The North Carolina Air National Guard - and indeed the National Guard across all of North Carolina and the country - is grieving today - as is the Air Force as a whole.

Robert, New York

7/2/2012 10:09:08 PM ET
My prayers are with thier families.

Michael, Ocala Fl

7/2/2012 9:43:19 PM ET
As a retired guard member and a wildland firefighter....Thank you and God's speed..

steve , boise ID

7/2/2012 9:38:33 PM ET
Our prayers and thoughts go out to those that are injured and to the families of those that lost their lives. Thank you so much for the dedication that all of you give to our country. God Bless you all.

Kathy Bellerue, Oregon

7/2/2012 8:26:40 PM ET
May GOd grant the families of the crew memebers that perished in the accident in SD. Wrap his arms of love and mercy around them and bring the souls of those killed home to you father as they were trying to save property and people effected by the firess. In the nmame of Jesuse Christ.

Mark Goldstein, Shaw AFB SC

7/2/2012 7:18:48 PM ET
RIP, sir. the Air Guard at it's finest.

SN, TX

7/2/2012 7:13:13 PM ET
Many thoughts and prayers go up for these valiant airmen. May God comfort the families at this time and support those in need of his care.

Rob Crawford LTC RET TN ANG, GA

7/2/2012 6:36:16 PM ET
That's some scary stuff. i live in S.D.

Ian, South Dakota

7/2/2012 6:23:59 PM ET
Such sad news. thoughts and prayers to all involved

Estella Richardson, Newmarket Suffolk UK

7/2/2012 6:09:25 PM ET
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends.

Joe_Lopez, RAF Mildenhall

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