Captain Todd Tompkins, 48, and First Officer Ronnie Chambless, 40, of Neptune Aviation Services, Inc. on June 3, 2012. at 1400 hrs, passed away while fighting the 5,000-acre White Rock Fire which was sparked by lightning in eastern Nevada. On the second run of the day in their model P2V Lockheed Martin aircraft, Captain Tompkins and First Officer Chambless were nearing the wildfire when they crashed in the Hamlin Valley area of Iron County, Utah, near the Utah-Nevada border.
It was estimated that the aircraft held approximately 1,600 gallons of fuel and 2,000 gallons of fire retardant. It was reported that the NTSB, FAA, and U.S. Forest Service officials are responding to the crash for investigation.
Our condolences to the Tompkins and Chambless Familys & Friends, the Neptune Aviation Services, Inc., and to all affected by Captain Todd Tompkins and First Officer Ronnie Chambless passing.
To date, 35 and 36 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2012. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
