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A black and white sketch diagram illustrating an airplane accident sequence from takeoff at Missoula Airtanker Base to a collision with terrain.

A black and white sketch diagram illustrating an airplane accident sequence from takeoff at Missoula Airtanker Base to a collision with terrain.

Provide a sketch/diagram of the accident scene. Chart the accident sequence/timeline for this FireFlight Aerial Services, Inc. is a Montana-based aerial firefighting company that operates a fleet of Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs). Headquartered in Missoula, Montana, FireFlight supports regional wildfire response by deploying fast, single-pilot aircraft to perform low-level retardant and water drops in rugged terrain. The company’s primary aircraft type is the Air Tractor AT-802F, a purpose-built firefighting platform capable of carrying up to 800 gallons of fire retardant. These aircraft operate from bases like the Missoula Airtanker Base, located at Missoula International Airport, and fly in support of the U.S. Forest Service, state firefighting agencies, and interagency fire suppression teams. On August 17, 2024, Tanker 29, an AT-802F registered as N289FF, departed Missoula for a suppression mission over the Moose Peak Fire burning northeast of Sawmill Gulch in Lolo National Forest. The aircraft was piloted by Capt. Jason “Jay” Monroe, a 41-year-old aerial firefighter with over 3,500 hours of total flight time and more than 1,200 hours logged in SEAT operations. Known for his professionalism and ability to fly in challenging conditions, Capt. Monroe had flown multiple missions in the area earlier that fire season. Accident Sequence At approximately 2:38 PM, Tanker 29 departed Missoula Airtanker Base carrying a full load of retardant for an initial drop on the eastern See more