C-130 MAFFS crashed fighting White Draw Fire (SD)

It is with deep sadness that I have to write on another tanker crash, with fatalities. At about 6:30 PM on July 1, a C-130 MAFFS (Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System) from the North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing crashed while fighting the White Draw Fire near the town of Edgemont, SD.

According to today's report on the crash from the United States Northern Command, there were survivors. No further details are being provided about the status of those injured nor have the names of those who died been released from official sources pending notification of the families. The crash is under investigation. The report from the U.S. Northern Command goes onto to say that

as a prudent measure, the MAFFS-equipped C-130s are on an operational hold at the present time.

The 145th Airlift Wing is based at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those injured, and for your family and friends.

For those who died, I extend my prayers to your family, friends, and all who love you.

Finally, I offer my thoughts and prayers to the North Carolina Air National Guard's 145 Airlift Wing.

For those of you who are interested in reading about MAFFS, the U.S. Northern Command provided a link to a MAFFS Fact Sheet.