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Jeff Piechura

Air Tactical Group Supervisor

On Saturday, July 10, 2021, Air Tactical Group Supervisor Jeff Piechura and Air Attack Pilot Matthew Robert Miller were aboard a Beechcraft King Air C-90 conducting visual reconnaissance and aviation command and control over the Cedar Basin Fire near Wikieup, Arizona when the aircraft crashed. Both individuals perished in the accident.

Fatality status is provisional and may change as USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify fatality incident information.

Department information

U.S. Forest Service/Coronado National Forest
2646 E Commerce Center Place
Tucson, Arizona 85706

Chief: Steven Miranda

Age: 62
Rank: Air Tactical Group Supervisor
Classification: Wildland Part-Time
Incident date: July 10, 2021 12:50 p.m.
Date of death: July 10, 2021
Cause of death: Vehicle Collision - Includes Aircraft
Nature of death: Trauma
Activity type: Riding Vehicle/Apparatus
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: On-Scene Fire
Fixed property use: Outdoor Property

Last updated: August 31, 2021