Incident Name: Cedar Basin
Date: 7/10/2021
Personnel: Matthew Miller
Age: 48
Agency/Organization: Falcon Executive Aviation
Position: Pilot
Summary:
In The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is working with other local, state, and federal agencies to respond to a wildland firefighting aircraft accident that claimed the lives of both crew on board.
The accident occurred at approximately noon on July 10 as part of initial attack efforts on the Cedar Basin Fire, located 14 miles east of Wikieup, in northwestern Arizona. Pilot Matthew Miller, 48, and Air Tactical Group Supervisor Jeff Piechura, 62, were on board a Beechcraft King Air C-90 aircraft, conducting visual reconnaissance and aviation command and control over the fire, when the accident occurred.
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“He lived and he worked on the path of something greater than himself, his wife and his family, his friends and his “It “Our hearts and most sincere condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of both individuals lost in this tragic accident,” said BLM Arizona State Director Raymond Suazo. “This reminds us of the inherent risks involved in wildland firefighting and the gratitude we owe to the courageous and committed men and women who serve willingly to protect lives, communities and natural resources.”
Contributors to this article: Michael Cox
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