Plane that flew over California wildfires crashes in Australia, killing three Americans

A plane that was used to fight fires in California crashed yesterday in Australia, killing three Americans, according to announcements from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the company that owned the plane.

The identities of the three people haven’t been released. The three crew members were from Montana, Florida and Arizona, Coulson Aviation, the owner of the plane, said Thursday.

The crash is under investigation in Australia, according to a news release. Coulson also sent a team to assist in emergency operations, according to its news release.

The crew members worked and trained with Cal Fire, but none of those who died were Cal Fire firefighters or contractors, according to the department. The plane went down in the Snowy Monaro Area in the Australian state of New South Wales, in southeast Australia, according to the Coulson news release.

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules Air Tanker flew over fires in California including last year’s Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, according to the Governor’s Office.

It also was also on display at an Aug. 1 press event at McClellan Air Force base. Newsom and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced new money for wildfire prevention and response at the event, according to the release.

California ordered seven C-130s of its own last year. In the past it has contracted for the planes.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the crew, their friends and loved ones, and our own Cal Fire family who worked, fought fires, and trained with the crew of Tanker 134,” Newsom said in a statement.

This story was originally published January 23, 2020 at 3:22 PM with the headline "Plane that flew over California wildfires crashes in Australia, killing three Americans."