TERRAIN. TERRAIN. PULL. UP.

[truthfollower]

Battling a Blaze, a Fire Fighting Plane Nearly Crashes into a Mountain

A pilot flying a BA 146 firefighting plane nearly crashed into a mountain last month as he was focusing on his target: the fire. Wildfires can rage on for days and weeks at a time, so long as they have fuel, oxygen, and heat.

Receiving a backlash of comments criticizing his flying skills, this pilot was, in fact, a very talented one, according to a colleague commenting on Reddit.

The mere fact that he did not crash and that you can see the dust from the earth dispersing as he pushes the throttle upwards, just missing the ridge of the mountain is a mean feat of flying.

The firefighter pilot was focusing his aim at a wildfire, releasing a big puff of bright red retardant onto the fire as we can see clearly in the video. This red substance is a chemical retardant, which is made up of phosphate fertilizer, which is what helps to slow down the fires.

The pilot has since admitted to focusing solely on the target, and making a bad judgment call — just a few seconds too late — but that can be enough for a catastrophe to occur.

Luckily, no one was injured, except the pilot's pride perhaps, and the pilot cleared the mountain with just inches to spare.

https://interestingengineering.com/...fighting-plane-nearly-crashes-into-a-mountain

 

[truthfollower]

@Trailer23

 

[Trailer23]

Fire Fighting in form is difficult.

Fire is generated by the basic triangle of fire: Heat - Oxygen - Source/Material.

Now, if you're using a Fire Fighting Equipment like Fire Extinguisher - you have to aim at the base of fire to put it out. Otherwise it'll be like a turning on garden sprinklers at Fire in a tall tower.

Now these Wildfires are truly a challenge for these pilots as once they dump the water, its done. There isn't a Water Refueler in mid-air, so its essential for them to get as close as possible and drop it on the target.

I've never seen a BA 146 in this role in the past. Usually they have Aircrafts specifically for this purpose commonly used in Australia and California.

 

[Aspen]

ZOMG that was close

 

[Ahmet Pasha]

Helicopters are best as they can pick up water from a nearby source.