Author Bill Gabbert

The three on board sustained moderate injuries

A Helicopter working on the Fairview Fire near Hemet, California crashed at about 3:30 p.m. today as it was returning to an airport at Banning. The pilot and two passengers were transported to a local trauma center for treatment of “moderate injuries”, according to fire officials.

The FAA said in a statement that the Bell 206L-1 Long Ranger crashed in a residential backyard while approaching the airport to land. The FAA and the NTSB will investigate.

From the description in the media it appears the helicopter may have been the platform for the Helicopter Coordinator.

The FAA registration number is N242BH.

The Fairview Fire has burned about 28,000 acres, but the spread slowed after rain moved into the area Friday afternoon.

https://fireaviation.com/2022/09/10/helicopter-working-on-fairview-fire-crashes-near-banning-california/