Firefighting pilot killed while battling Gold Mountain Fire in Colorado identified
A 56-year-old Canadian pilot who crashed into a Colorado reservoir in a firefighting helicopter and died over the weekend has been identified.
Nicholas Dale, a frontline federal contracted fire aviation pilot from Sooke, British Columbia, was killed on Sunday when his aircraft crashed into the Silver Jack Reservoir in western Colorado. He was involved in the battle against the Gold Mountain Fire. His body was later recovered from the aircraft, a K-MAX helicopter.
The Gunnison Sheriff's Office says the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft was a Kaman Aerospace K-1200 helicopter that "crashed under unknown circumstances, becoming inverted," according to its preliminary report. Federal registration data shows the helicopter was owned by Georgia-based Helicopter Express, which has a fleet of nearly four dozen helicopters used for firefighting, heavy lifting and construction projects.
The sheriff's office said in a news release it "offers its deepest condolences to Mr. Dale's family, friends, and fellow wildfire-fighting personnel during this incredibly difficult time."
The company in a statement issued Monday confirmed Dale's death.
"This is a heartbreaking loss for everyone at Helicopter Express and throughout the aerial firefighting community," the statement reads. "Nick's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten."
A procession of law enforcement vehicles carried Dale's body from Gunnison to Grand Junction on Monday. The convoy was greeted by residents who wanted to show their support for the pilot and the thousands of firefighters assigned to blazes burning across the West.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced Monday that flags will fly at half-staff to honor the firefighting pilot. He issued a statement on Monday mourning Dale's loss:
"I was devastated to hear that Nicholas Dale, a brave frontline fire aviation pilot, died battling the Gold Mountain Fire. I, and every Coloradan, am deeply grateful for the thousands of brave firefighters and pilots across the state protecting us and our communities. My heart goes out to the pilot's friends, family, and colleagues who mourn this immense loss. We are committed to supporting our brave firefighters and their families, and the State stands ready to support any investigation into this tragic incident. Once selected, state flags will be ordered to fly at half-staff on Nicholas's memorial date to honor his bravery and sacrifice."
The governor says flags will fly at half-staff on the day of Dale's memorial service, once it has been selected.
The Gold Mountain Fire is burning north of Ouray and has covered approximately 36,259 acres. Firefighters say it is approximately 11% contained, and 175 nearby residents remain under mandatory evacuation orders.
Last week, wildland firefighters in Colorado gathered to pay tribute to three of their own who died after they were trapped by flames near the Colorado-Utah border.
