Man dies in helicopter crash while fighting Clear Fire

A man is dead after his helicopter crashed while assisting in firefighting efforts on the Clear Fire, according to Alaska State Troopers.
Published: Jun. 27, 2022 at 2:22 AM AKDT|Updated: Jun. 27, 2022 at 8:53 AM AKDT
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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A man is dead after his helicopter crashed while assisting in firefighting efforts on the Clear Fire, according to Alaska State Troopers.

According to an online dispatch, troopers received a report of the crash near mile marker 280 of the Parks Highway around 7:42 p.m. Sunday evening.

According to troopers, the pilot and sole occupant was identified as 56-year-old Douglas Ritchie of Wasilla.

Troopers say Ritchie was operating a Northern Pioneer Helicopters 1960 Bell 204B “Huey” when it crashed while landing at the Anderson Airport’s helipad.

No foul play is suspected. Clint Johnson, a spokesperson with the National Transportation Safety Board, said the agency is sending three investigators to the scene Monday to determine a cause, which he said might not be known until Tuesday due to Monday being used mostly as a travel day.

A man is dead after his helicopter crashed while assisting in firefighting efforts on the...
A man is dead after his helicopter crashed while assisting in firefighting efforts on the Clear Fire, according to Alaska State Troopers.(Google Maps)

The fire itself, which is burning about 80 miles southwest of Fairbanks, has grown to more than 9,500 acres and is prompting evacuations.

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