DC-10 Fire Bomber at work in California

[T-Bird76]

Here's a video of the DC-10 Fire bomber at work in California helping out with the wild fires. Pretty wild.

http://video.knbc.com/player/?id=170479

[mirrodie]

Saw it on the news last evening. Was really impressive seeing that DC-10 swoop so low!

On a related note, I recall reading somewhere here that someone had asked why the evergreen 747 was not yet certified.
While I understand the importance of certification, its too bad they simply can't get the bird up and doing what it should. It's desparately needed right now.

[moose135]

Mario, after several well-publicized crashes involving firefighting aircraft (albeit much older airframes) I can see why they are careful about certification. It wouldn't look very good on the evening news to see video of the 747 Supertanker crashing into a hillside. And even the DC-10 had a little "oops" earlier this year...

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20070703X00873

NTSB Identification: SEA07TA181
14 CFR Public Use
Accident occurred Monday, June 25, 2007 in Tehachapi, CA
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas DC 10-10, registration: N450AX
Injuries: 3 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On June 25, 2007, about 1720 Pacific daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas DC 10-10, N450AX (Tanker 910), impacted trees with the left wing during a fire suppression flight in support of the White Fire about 12 miles southwest of Tehachapi, California. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (Cal Fire) was operating the airplane as a public use flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The captain, first officer, and flight engineer, were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and flight tracking procedures were in effect. The airplane departed Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville, California, at 1657.

According to Cal Fire personnel, the flight crew was on their third flight of the day and preparing to jettison a load of retardant. While in a left turn from base to final for the drop, the left wing dropped downward and impacted several trees. The captain recovered the airplane and climbed to 11,000 feet mean sea level (msl) for a controllability check. The crew declared an emergency and returned to the departure airport at 1748, where they landed uneventfully.

Cursory examination of the airplane revealed damage to the left wing leading edge, and to control surfaces which included the outboard aileron.

[PhilDernerJr]

I hear that this incident happened because a jet needs to slow down so close to stall speed while it drops water, that it is difficult for it to recover and spool up when needed.

[mirrodie]

Like I said, I know its important. Just too bad its taking so long.

[Midnight Mike]

Saw it on the news last evening. Was really impressive seeing that DC-10 swoop so low!

On a related note, I recall reading somewhere here that someone had asked why the evergreen 747 was not yet certified.
While I understand the importance of certification, its too bad they simply can't get the bird up and doing what it should. It's desparately needed right now.

747 program was shut down.

[Derf]

Yep, it is now a red tailed cargo bird. I think it was shut down a year ago. That must have cost a bundle! :cry:

On a side note... I think the DC-10 missed! :twisted:

[Ari707]

just fill a B-52 with water ballons and do some carpet bombing

[cancidas]

just fill a B-52 with water ballons and do some carpet bombing

good idea, definately a great use for those old birds!!

[Gerard]

Hey you think the FDNY is getting excited for a helo watching all those copters battling the wildfires? :lol:

[Tom_Turner]

I think the FDNY *should* have a helo, and also believe we should be at least trying to find out if the Beriev firefighting aircraft could be useful.

Tom

[Derf]

just fill a B-52 with water ballons and do some carpet
bombing

good idea, definately a great use for those old birds!!

WOW, I can see it now.... All the pesky enviromentilis are screaming about us letting go of
balloons because birds will injest the rubber.

I think that is a fantastic idea! NO EVAPORATION like on the long drops of the DC-10 shown
in the video! Great accuracy and the best use of a bomber. Think of all the great waterfights
you could have....


Then again, there are some other possiblities for the DC-10 if that were to happen!