Incident Name: Grama Fire on the Apache-Sitgreaves Nnational Forest
Date: June 12, 1974, 1357 hrs
Personnel: 2 lives lost
Age:
Agency/Organization: Ralco out of Whiteriver under contract with the US Forest Service
Position: aerial firefighters
Summary:
Larry Mortensen, 31, pilot, of Mesa AZ
Timothy Chittendon, 29, copilot, of Indian Pine AZ
On June 12, 1974, Pilot Larry Mortensen and Co-pilot Tim Chittenden died when the PV-2 Neptune they were piloting stalled on steep approach and crashed while dropping fire retardant chemicals on the Grama Fire on the Apache-Sitgreaves NF in Arizona.
Maps
southwest of Winslow AZ; 24 mi northwest of Heber AZ; rough approximation
{mosmap lat=’34.685415’|lon=’-110.988732’|marker=’0’|text=’Accident Location: 24 mi northwest of Heber AZ’}
Reports, Documentation, Lessons Learned
- Concise Information from the NTSB, FAA, AAP and research by the WLF Staff:
- June 12, 1974, 1357 hrs
- 2 killed: Larry Mortensen and Timothy Chittenden
- Operator: Ralco out of Whiteriver under contract with the US Forest Service
- Type: LOCKHEED PV2 Neptune
- Location: near Winslow AZ
- FAA Registration # N7263C
- NTSB # LAX74FUJ68
- National Transportation Safety Board: example Probable Cause (html)The pilot in command failed to obtain/maintain flying speed, causing a stall.
Remarks: Lost control in a steep bank. Density altitude about 12,000 feet - For more information consult the NTSB online lookup Utility Use NTSB Identification: LAX74FUJ68
- US Forest Service Heroes Memorial: Larry Mortensen | Tim Chittenden
- US Social Security Death Index: Larry Mortensen | Tim Chittenden
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Media Articles and Reports
Photos, Videos, & Tributes
- Associated Airtanker Pilots: Larry Mortensen | Timothy Chittenden
Contributors to this article: Tim Stubbs, Mellie, John Miller
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