Overview

• Investigators found the Sikorsky S-64 entered the fire traffic area near 4,000 feet, then made an aggressive descent to 2,500 feet and struck the Bell 407 within seconds.
• The Bell held its assigned 2,500-foot altitude after reestablishing contact with the supervisor, while the Skycrane acknowledged clearance only after penetrating the inner, 7‑nautical‑mile ring.
• The NTSB said the Skycrane crew should have remained outside restricted airspace, reported inability to comply with the altitude clearance, and communicated the non‑standard descent.
• Cal Fire announced changes including targeted pilot training, updated communication protocols, daily after‑action reviews, and a standardized fire‑traffic‑area checklist for crews and contractors.
• The collision killed Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Capt. Tim Rodriguez and pilot Tony Sousa on the Bell, the Skycrane landed safely with two uninjured crew members, and wrongful‑death lawsuits are advancing.