Gary D. Nagel, Contract Pilot

Airtanker Pilot Nagel was killed in the crash of a Grumman TS-2A airtanker when he misjudged his maneuvering altitude and impacted the terrain. He had made two drops on the Mount Edna fire near Banning, California and was preparing to make a third. Other factors that contributed to the crash were the mountainous terrain, tailwind conditions, and turbulence in the area. Airtanker Pilot Nagel was an employee of San Joaquin Helicopters, a contractor to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. More information related to this incident can be found in National Transportation Safety Board report LAX99GA005.