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2 pilots killed in air-tanker collision near Caliente identified

Incident remains under investigation
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Posted at 4:28 PM, Aug 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-20 19:30:24-04

NEVADA (KTNV) — Officials have identified the pilots who were killed in a plane collision back in July while battling a wildfire near Caliente, Nev.

The Bureau of Land Management reports David Blake Haynes and Scott Thomas were killed on July 30 when their single-engine planes collided.

2 planes collide while battling wildfire near Caliente; pilots killed in collision

The Federal Aviation Administration first confirmed the collision between the two Air Tractor AT8T airplanes. The planes were deployed to help battle the Bishop Fire, about 17 miles from Caliente.

Officials said one person was aboard each aircraft, and the Bureau of Land Management later confirmed the pilots died in the collision.

“We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the two pilots and to all those working with the BLM Nevada Ely District,” said BLM Nevada State Director Jon Raby.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board continue the investigation into the incident.