Firefighting Pilot Dies in Montana Plane Crash

The crash occurred while the aircraft was scooping water to combat the Horse Gulch Fire, leading to evacuations.

A 45-year-old female pilot died in the crash at Hauser Reservoir near Helena.
The Air Tractor AT-802 was contracted by the U.S. Forest Service.
The Horse Gulch Fire has burned approximately 600 acres and prompted evacuations.
Extreme heat in the Helena area has exacerbated firefighting efforts.
Federal agencies are investigating the cause of the crash.