Fill - Free fillable NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist PMS (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) PDF form

A publication of the

National Wildfire

Coordinating Group

NWCG Aviation

Mishap Response

Guide and Checklist

PMS 503 FEBRUARY 2021

NWCG Aviation Mishap

Response Guide and Checklist

February 2021

PMS 503

The NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist standardizes the information and formatting

for local aviation mishap response. It is not intended to be all-encompassing but provides the minimum

essential elements that apply to most aviation mishaps. All personnel involved in aviation operations

should be familiar with the checklist as well as other local agency response plans. Mishap drills are

strongly recommended by all aviation personnel annually at a minimum. Use the Update Record and

Administrative Review page to document as appropriate.

This checklist must be tailored to the local organization, mission, and operational location. It is best

used in conjunction with the Agency Administrator’s Guide to Critical Incident Management, PMS 926,

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/926.

Ensure the checklist is up to date with all points of contact and their respective phone numbers and email

addresses. Verify the plan annually, when personnel or contact information changes, and before

operations are conducted in new locations.

Note: Print single-sided and apply tabs as desired to create a hard copy of the checklist.

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) provides national leadership to enable

interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local partners. NWCG

operations standards are interagency by design; they are developed with the intent of universal adoption

by the member agencies. However, the decision to adopt and utilize them is made independently by the

individual member agencies and communicated through their respective directives systems.

Table of Contents

Update Record and Administrative Review ........................................................................................... 2

Emergency Actions ................................................................................................................................... 3

Protect People......................................................................................................................................... 3

Protect Property...................................................................................................................................... 4

Preserve Evidence .................................................................................................................................. 4

Notify and Investigate............................................................................................................................ 5

Recovery Operations.............................................................................................................................. 6

General Information................................................................................................................................. 7

Media Relations......................................................................................................................................... 9

Overdue Aircraft..................................................................................................................................... 10

Missing Aircraft ...................................................................................................................................... 10

FAA Regional 24-Hour Accident and Incident Response Centers..................................................... 11

Aircraft Accident Checklist ................................................................................................................... 12

Emergency Contact Checklist................................................................................................................ 13

Helicopter Ambulance Request ............................................................................................................. 14

Notes ......................................................................................................................................................... 15

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist i

NWCG Aviation Mishap

Response Guide and

Checklist

Do not waste time trying to figure out if an event is an accident; that is not your job.

If you have an event with an aircraft that results in damage or injury, no matter how slight,

REPORT IT to DOI or USFS by calling 1-888-464-7427 (888-4MISHAP)

Has 911/ Search and Rescue (SAR) been notified?

Notify your bureau / agency and follow their procedures

Bureau / Agency Point of Contact and phone number_____________________________

Priority of Actions: As soon as you are aware of the accident, start a log of all actions and calls, then

refer to the expanded subsections of this plan. The subsections are listed in order of priority.

a. Protect people. Lifesaving operations takes first priority.

b. Protect property. Property should be protected from unnecessary additional damage.

c. Preserve evidence. Treat the area as if it were a crime scene. Provide 24-hour security until the

investigation team arrives. Identify witnesses; get their addresses, phone numbers, and email.

d. Notify and investigate. Report the accident using your organization’s chain-of-command and

policies. Do not delay reporting if detailed information is not immediately available.

e. Recovery operations. Everything at the site is under the control of the National Transportation

Safety Board (NTSB) until released.

Practice — The absolute best way to be prepared for the unexpected is to periodically practice your

Aviation Mishap Response Plan. Coordinate in advance and get as many responders as possible to

participate when you conduct a practice drill

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 1 of 16

Update Record and Administrative Review

Date Signature

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Emergency Actions

Protect People

a. Many times, in the urgency to assist accident victims, the rescuers may place themselves in

jeopardy and become victims themselves. Enforce risk assessment and mitigation

procedures.

b. Ensure ALL crew and passengers involved in an aircraft accident are cleared by medical

authority before returning to duty.

c. Aircraft wreckage attracts people like a magnet. Keep non-essential personnel well clear and

preferably upwind.

d. Hazards at an aircraft accident site can include:

1. Biological Hazards — Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV),

and many others. See OSHA’s 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1030 for control

measures.

2. Toxic Substances — Fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, and exotic aircraft materials such as

beryllium, lithium, chromium, and mercury. You must also consider the cargo the aircraft

was carrying (see the DOT Emergency Response Guidebook,

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/erg/emergency-response-guidebook-erg).

3. Pressure Vessels — Tires (often above 90 psi), hydraulic accumulators, oleo struts, oxygen

cylinders, and fire extinguishers. They may look okay but may have been damaged in the

crash.

4. Mechanical Hazards — Metal under tension (rotor blades bent under fuselage), heavy

objects, composite materials, and innumerable sharp edges.

5. Fire Hazards — Unburned fuel, hot metal (or other components), aircraft batteries,

pyrotechnics, and the ignition of surrounding vegetation because of the accident. Be cautious

of smoldering items which may re-ignite.

6. Environmental Hazards — Weather, terrain, and animals. Depending on the location and

time of year, the environment may be among the most serious hazards at the scene.

e. Utilize available protective devices and clothing. Use extreme caution when working around

the wreckage. Protective measures include:

1. Minimize the number of personnel allowed to enter the accident site.

2. Ensure exposed personnel use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as

boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, leather gloves (use surgical gloves as inserts if blood

or bodily fluids are present), and appropriate respirators if toxic vapors or composite material

pose respiratory hazards.

f. Do whatever is necessary to extricate victims and to extinguish fires, but keep in mind the need

to protect and preserve evidence. If any evidence must be disturbed in order to carry out rescues

or fire suppression activities, document and/or photograph its location.

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 3 of 16

Protect Property

NTSB Sec. 831.12 Access to and release of wreckage, records, mail, and cargo.

a. Only the Board's accident investigation personnel and persons authorized by the Investigator-in-

Charge (IIC) to participate in any particular investigation, examination or testing shall be permitted

access to wreckage, records, mail, or cargo in the Board's custody.

b. Wreckage, records, mail, and cargo in the Board's custody shall be released to the DOI or USFS IIC

by an authorized representative of the Board when it is determined that the Board has no further need of

such wreckage, mail, cargo, or records. When such material is released, Form 6120.15, “Release of

Wreckage,'' will be completed, acknowledging receipt.

Treat the accident site like a crime scene. Wreckage, cargo, and debris should not be disturbed or

moved except to the extent necessary:

a. To remove victims.

b. To protect the wreckage from further damage.

c. To protect the public.

In addition to the authority explicit in NTSB 831.12, restricting access protects the public from the

hazards of the accident site.

Initially the accident site should be protected by either your own people (e.g., if the accident occurred at

a fire) or by agency and local law enforcement officers. The investigation team may request extended

security until the investigation is complete.

Preserve Evidence

NTSB Sec. 830.10 Preservation of aircraft wreckage, mail, cargo, and records.

a. The operator of an aircraft involved in an accident or incident for which notification must be given is

responsible for preserving to the extent possible any aircraft wreckage, cargo, and mail aboard the

aircraft, and all records, including all recording mediums of flight, maintenance, and voice recorders,

pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the aircraft and to the airmen until the Board takes

custody thereof or a release is granted pursuant to Sec. 831.12(b) of this chapter.

b. Before the time the Board or its authorized representative takes custody of aircraft wreckage, mail, or

cargo, such wreckage, mail, or cargo may not be disturbed or moved except to the extent necessary:

1. To remove persons injured or trapped.

2. To protect the wreckage from further damage; or

3. To protect the public from injury.

c. Where it is necessary to move aircraft wreckage, mail, or cargo, sketches, descriptive notes, and

photographs shall be made, if possible, of the original positions and condition of the wreckage and any

significant impact marks.

d. The operator of an aircraft involved in an accident or incident shall retain all records, reports, internal

documents, and memoranda dealing with the event, until authorized by the Board to the contrary.

In addition to those items required by law (above) you should also:

Control access to the site by cordoning off the area and contacting the agency aviation safety

investigator to determine who needs access. Request agency or local law enforcement to immediately

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 4 of 16

secure the site for the accident investigation team. Establishing a pass system to identify authorized

personnel is an excellent technique for serious accidents. Everyone who enters should be briefed on the

known or suspected hazards and cautioned to avoid disturbing the evidence (flipping switches and

souvenir hunting). It’s critical to control flow of information released from the scene. DO NOT allow

anyone to post texts, photos, or videos to social media.

Photograph everything. Some evidence may be easily destroyed before the arrival of the accident

investigators. Photograph aircraft, ground scars, and other perishable evidence. Collect copies of all

photos and videos taken by witnesses, participants, and rescuers. Do not disturb wreckage.

Identify witnesses. Request witnesses to write out their statements as soon as possible (before

witnesses can compare notes). Be sure to get witness’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and email

addresses. Supervisors must ensure that personnel with information pertinent to the investigation are

made available to the investigators in a timely manner. If possible, coordinate with the accident

investigator(s) Before demobilizing personnel with information pertinent to the accident.

Secure equipment and records. Crew items, such as helmets, survival equipment (if used), notes,

charts, etc., as well as dispatch logs and records, should be controlled and provided to the investigation

team upon arrival.

Notify and Investigate

If you see something, SAY SOMETHING!

Do not try to classify events as accidents or incidents, that is the job of the NTSB. If you have an event

with an aircraft that results in damage or injury, report it to Office of Aviation Services (OAS) or

USFS.

Initial Notification. DOI’s OAS or the USDA-Forest Service (USFS) can be contacted by calling 1-

888-464-7427 (1-888-4MISHAP). When you call, provide the information on the Aircraft Accident

Checklist.

DO NOT DELAY the initial notification by trying to complete all of the blanks on the form. Call in the

accident as soon as possible and call back as more information becomes available.

The OAS/USFS Investigator will review your procedures taken and advise you of any additional actions

you should be taking, or reports you need to make. The OAS/USFS Investigator will notify the NTSB

as appropriate. Field personnel should not make initial notification to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA) or the NTSB. If contacted by the FAA or the NTSB, you should refer them to the

OAS/ USFS Aviation Safety Office and answer those questions that you can.

If you have enough people you should conduct the notification process at the same time as you are

conducting other aspects of the immediate response.

Investigation:

a. Aircraft accidents (fatality, serious injury, or substantial damage) will be investigated by NTSB

personnel (Public Law 110-181). OAS/USFS personnel will generally be a “party” to the NTSB

investigation and will conduct their investigation in accordance with NTSB and their agency’s

regulations.

b. Aircraft Incidents-with-Potential (IWP) will be investigated by Air Safety Investigators from

OAS/USFS or a USFS Qualified Technical Investigator.

c. Aircraft incidents will require the local Aviation Manager or Aviation Safety Manager to

investigate the event and report the facts and circumstances to OAS/USFS.

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 5 of 16

All aviation related events that impact aviation safety (for either DOI/USFS), should be reported using

the SAFECOM (https://www.safecom.gov/) reporting system.

Recovery Operations

NTSB Sec. 831.12 Access to and release of wreckage, records, mail, and cargo.

a. Only the Board's accident investigation personnel and persons authorized by the IIC to participate in

any particular investigation, examination or testing shall be permitted access to wreckage, records, mail,

or cargo in the Board's custody.

b. Wreckage, records, mail, and cargo in the Board's custody shall be released by an authorized

representative of the Board when it is determined that the Board has no further need of such wreckage,

mail, cargo, or records. When such material is released, Form 6120.15, “Release of Wreckage,'' will be

completed, acknowledging receipt.

If an accident is investigated by OAS/USFS investigators, they are responsible for notification of the

NTSB and compliance with section 831.12 before releasing the wreckage.

Actual recovery (and the associated costs) is usually the responsibility of the aircraft owner. Before

committing the Government to unnecessary costs, check with the appropriate contracting officer.

Use extreme caution when removing or recovering aircraft wreckage. Salvage personnel are aware of

hazards at accident sites and take appropriate precautions. Your people may not!

Release of wreckage from the NTSB will go to the OAS or USFS investigation team. They will release

it to the contractor through the contracting officer.

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 6 of 16

General Information

Anyone who has ever been involved in the immediate response to an aircraft accident will agree that the

first few minutes and hours of a mishap event are chaotic. Developing and practicing your Aviation

Mishap Response Plan today is your best defense against the chaos of tomorrow. Time is an

extremely critical factor and immediate positive action is necessary; any delay may affect someone’s

survival.

Conduct of Aircraft Accident Investigations. All DOI and USFS aircraft accidents are investigated

under the authority of the NTSB as defined in:

a. 49 CFR Parts 830 and 831

b. Public Law (PL) 110-181 and Federal Management Regulation (FMR) 102-33.185.

This means that regardless of severity, all aircraft accidents are the domain of the NTSB. If the NTSB

elects to not visit the site and the field investigation is conducted by DOI or USDA-FS personnel, it is

still an NTSB investigation and investigative efforts must comply with their rules and standards.

Tips and Techniques

a. Who’s in charge — Although accident investigations are the responsibility of the NTSB and

DOI/USFS, you need to determine in advance who will be responsible for the initial actions at

the accident site

b. Notification of next-of-kin — See Agency Administrator’s Guide to Critical Incident

Management, PMS 926, https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/926, for guidance. As a minimum,

all supervisors should have a plan on how to contact their employee’s next-of-kin.

c. Start a journal — Write down everything regarding events, actions, points of contact (who,

what, when, where, and why).

d. Control of Records — Under the provisions of NTSB Part 831.12 the records pertaining to the

aircraft and the flight become a part of the investigation and “belong” to the NTSB until

released. Gather and control the appropriate records until they can be turned over to the NTSB

or DOI/USFS investigator. Required records include (but are not limited to) aircraft operating

and maintenance documents, crew records (flight and medical), flight plans, weather briefings,

weight and balance forms, and load calculations.

e. Conduct after action review (AAR) — After the dust has settled and the professional

investigators have taken charge, it is time to review what happened, what worked, and what

needs to be improved. Conduct the AAR while issues and events are fresh in everyone’s mind.

Share your lessons learned with your regional/bureau/national aviation and safety managers.

Update your Aviation Mishap Response Plan with the lessons learned.

NOTE: NTSB policy prohibits Parties to an investigation (see Part 831.11 and .13) from discussing

information about that accident without the specific approval of the NTSB IIC. For questions on the

proper release of information about an accident investigation contact the OAS/USFS investigators.

Definitions (See 49 CFR (NTSB) 830/831)

a. Aircraft Accident — an occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft, which takes

place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and all such

persons have disembarked, and in which any person suffers death or serious injury, or in which

the aircraft receives substantial damage.

b. Substantial Damage — damage or failure which adversely affects the structural strength,

performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which would normally require major

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 7 of 16

repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or damage limited to an engine if

only one engine fails or is damaged, bent fairings or cowling, dented skin, small punctured holes

in the skin or fabric, ground damage to rotor or propeller blades, and damage to landing gear,

wheels, tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wingtips are not considered “substantial

damage” for the purpose of this part.

c. Aircraft Incident — an occurrence other than an accident, associated with the operation of an

aircraft, which affects or could affect the safety of operations.

d. Investigator-In-Charge — the NTSB designated IIC organizes, conducts, controls, and

manages the field phase of the investigation. The IIC has the responsibility and authority to

supervise and coordinate all resources and activities of all personnel, both Board and non-Board,

involved in the on-site investigation. The IIC continues to have considerable organizational and

management responsibilities throughout later phases of the investigation, up to and including

Board consideration and adoption of a report or brief of probable cause(s). Note: the NTSB

determines probable cause(s); DOI/USFS determine contributing factors.

e. Serious Injury — any injury which:

1. Requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within 7 days from the date the

injury was received;

2. Results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes, or nose);

3. Causes severe hemorrhages, nerve, muscle, or tendon damage;

4. Involves any internal organ; or

5. Involves second- or third-degree burns, or any burns affecting more than 5 percent of the

body surface.

Note: The NTSB determines if an aircraft mishap is categorized as an accident. All mishaps other than

an accident are considered to be incidents.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Mishap Reporting

a. Submit SAFECOM reports for any conditions, acts, observations, circumstances or maintenance

problems that led to, or could have led to, an aircraft mishap (https://www.safecom.gov). This

includes any damage to an aircraft that renders it un-airworthy, even temporarily.

b. Immediately report the following by calling the Aircraft Accident Reporting Hotline at 1-888-

4MISHAP before continuing operations:

1. Any missing aircraft.

2. Injury to any person or any loss of consciousness.

3. Damage to any property other than the small unmanned aircraft.

c. The same reporting requirements for manned aircraft apply to any incident involving a UAS that

exceeds the small category. Please reference 352 DM 3 for details.

49 CFR Part 830.5 requires the NTSB be immediately notified whenever damage (including ground

damage) occurs to main or tail rotor blades that requires major repair or replacement of the blades,

whenever there is a runway incursion that requires immediate corrective action, and whenever an

aircraft is overdue and believed to be involved in an accident. Report any of these events immediately

to DOI/USFS Aviation Managers by calling 1-888-464-7427 (1-888-4MISHAP).

Managers will need to record employee injuries in their Department/Agency’s Safety Reporting System,

DOI: Safety Management Information System (SMIS)/ USFS: Safety Health Information Portal System

(SHIPS).

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 8 of 16

Media Relations

NTSB Sec. 831.13 Flow and dissemination of accident or incident information.

a. Release of information during the field investigation, particularly at the accident scene, shall be

limited to factual developments, and shall be made only through the Board Member present at the

accident scene, the representative of the Board's Office of Public Affairs, or the IIC.

b. All information concerning the accident or incident obtained by any person or organization

participating in the investigation shall be passed to the IIC through appropriate channels before being

provided to any individual outside the investigation. Parties to the investigation may relay to their

respective organization’s information necessary for purposes of prevention or remedial action. However,

no information concerning the accident or incident may be released to any person not a party

representative to the investigation (including non-party representative employees of the party

organization) before initial release by the Safety Board without prior consultation and approval of the

IIC.

When the field investigation is conducted by OAS/USFS investigators, they will comply with all

applicable DOI/USDA and NTSB regulations by referring all media requests to the NTSB IIC, NTSB

Field office or the DOI/USFS IIC.

Tips and techniques when working with the media:

a. You can acknowledge an accident has occurred, but do not speculate on what caused it or release

any names. Advise the media that the investigation of this accident is under the jurisdiction of

the NTSB and any questions must be directed to them.

b. Do not aggravate the media and do not get aggravated by the media. They are just doing their

job. Even aircraft accidents do not stay in the headlines forever, unless the reporter thinks you

are hiding something.

c. Most reporters have prior experience at accident sites. Remind them of the hazards, to avoid

disturbing the wreckage, and ask them to be respectful of the victims.

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 9 of 16

Overdue Aircraft

An aircraft is considered “overdue” when it fails to arrive within 30 minutes past the estimated time of

arrival (ETA) and cannot be located.

Time Action Contact and Phone

Time

Log

Immediately

at time

aircraft is due

Attempt to contact aircraft by radio or phone.

If equipped, review Automated Flight

Following (AFF) data.

Contact destination agency airbase or airport.

Gather info required for

Aircraft Accident

Checklist.

15 minutes

past due

Contact originating or en route agency

dispatch.

Contact originating or en route agency

airbase.

Contact originating or en route airports.

30 minutes

past due

Contact vendor home base.

Contact the FAA / Lockheed-Martin Flight

Service. Station and request an Alert Notice

(ALNOT).

1 800 992-7433 (800 WX BRIEF) –

Select “1” to speak to a briefer. Give

the briefer the info and your contact

info. The briefer will notify the “Hub”

supervisor who will notify the FAA.

Expect a return call for more info.

Missing Aircraft

The aircraft is “missing” when the fuel duration, as reported on the request for flight following, or as

reported on the FAA flight plan, has been exceeded and the aircraft location is unknown. It can also be

considered missing when it has been reported to the FAA as being “overdue” and the FAA has

completed an administrative search for the aircraft without success.

Time Action Contact and Phone

Time

Log

Anytime the

fuel duration is

exceeded or if

an aircraft is

missing/and an

accident is

suspected.

Submit data from the Aircraft Accident

Checklist to:

FAA / Lockheed-Martin Flight Service

Station

and request an Alert Notice (ALNOT) or

contact the FAA Regional Operations

Center.

Notify OAS /USFS Aviation Safety Office.

Notify Local Aviation Manager.

1 800 992-7433 (800 WX BRIEF)

List of centers are on the reverse side.

1 888 464-7427 (888-4MISHAP) **

Provide the information on the Aircraft Accident Checklist. Do not delay notification if you do not

have all the blocks filled. Provide as much information as you can and follow-up when additional info

is available.

Search and Rescue (SAR) operations should be coordinated through the FAA to the Air Force Rescue

Coordination Center (AFRCC) console (800-851-3051 / 850-283-5955) and with local law enforcement

agencies. It is recommended that both the FAA and AFRCC be contacted to ensure optimum

coordination. For additional information on SAR, visit https://www.1af.acc.af.mil/Library/Fact-

Sheets/Display/Article/289622/air-force-rescue-coordination-center/.

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 10 of 16

FAA Regional 24-Hour Accident and Incident Response Centers

Alaskan Region

(206) 231-2099

Central Region

(817) 222-5006

Eastern Region

(404) 305-5150

Great Lakes Region

(817) 222-5006

New England Region

(404) 305-5756

Northwest Mountain Region

(206) 231-2099

Southern Region

(404) 305-5180

Southwest Region

(817) 222-5006

Western-Pacific Region

(206) 231-2099

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 11 of 16

Aircraft Accident Checklist

OAS/USFS 1-888-464-7427 (1-888-4MISHAP)

Has 911/Search and Rescue (SAR) been notified?

(Do not delay initial report by trying to fill in all the blanks)

1. Point of Contact Information (the person who will provide information and direct actions)

a. Operational Control: (agency/region/unit)

b. Name

d. Duty Position:

c. Phone Numbers

e. Address:

Work:

Cell:

Fax:

Home:

f. Email:

2. Accident Information

a. Aircraft Registration/Tail Number

Type of Aircraft

Color

b. Date and Time of Accident

c. Location of Aircraft (Grid, Lat/Log, reference to known point)

d. Hazardous Materials Involved? (Explosives, Radioactive Materials, etc.)

e. Accident Site Secured?

Photos Taken?

f. NTSB & DOI/USFS ONLY:

Flight Data Recorder Secured? (if applicable)

ELT Deactivated?

Witnesses identified and statements requested?

g. Total Number of Personnel Involved

h. Number of Fatalities Number of Injuries

3. Accident Description (type of mission, what happened, weather, extent of damage, etc.)

4. Admin Information

a. Aircraft Owner

b. Operator

c. Pilot-in-Command

d. Point of Last Departure

e. Destination

f. Route of Flight

g. Fuel on Board

h. Nearest Commercial Airport

i. Suitable Helicopter Landing Site

j. Other

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 12 of 16

Emergency Contact Checklist

Notify OAS/USFS Aviation Safety Office using 1-888-464-7427 (1-888-4MISHAP)

Notify your Bureau / Agency personnel:

Only contact the FAA or NTSB if you cannot contact your

Bureau/Regional or OAS/USFS Aviation Safety Office

FAA Flight Service Station 1-800-992-7433 (1 800 WX BRIEF)

Update phone numbers, frequencies, and points of contact quarterly and for each unique mission.

1. Primary Response (Emergency Responders – dial 911, use discrete numbers as a back-up)

a. Fire Department

b. Police

c. Ambulance

d. Air Ambulance

e. Hospital

2. Secondary Response (Support Personnel)

a. Flight Following — FAA Flight Service Station (1 800 992-7433)

b. Dispatcher

c. OAS / USFS Aviation Safety Office (1-888-464-7427)

d. Photographer

e. Hazardous Materials Response Team

f. Coroner

g. Clergy

h. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (Military or Police)

i. Engineer / Recovery Specialists

3. Agency Management and Other Agencies (as required)

a. Aviation Safety Manager

b. Aviation Manager

c. Public Affairs Officer

d. Military Base Operations

e. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

f. Airport Operations

g. Aircraft Owner/Operator

h. Contracting Officer

i. Security

j. OAS Regional Office or USFS Regional Office

k. Regional Communication / Coordination Center

l. State Emergency Operations Center

m. Human Resources

n. Critical Incident Stress Management

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 13 of 16

Helicopter Ambulance Request

A. Injury Information

1. Utilize Medical Incident Report from ICS 206 WF: https://www.nwcg.gov/sites/default/files/products/ics-

forms/ics_206_wf_med_incident_report_only.pdf

B. Mishap Site Information

1. Unit/Agency

2. Incident Point of Contact

3. Site Contact:

Radio frequencies at mishap site: Primary: VHF – AM VHF – FM

Secondary: VHF – AM VHF – FM

4. Other known aircraft in the area (call signs)

Air-to-Air Frequency Primary: VHF – AM VHF – FM

Secondary: VHF – AM VHF – FM

5. Special information, flight hazards, MOAs, MTRs, etc.

6. Landing site(s) and conditions (location, description, hazards, control measures, etc.)

7. Proximity of landing site to mishap site

8. Nearest available AV Gas/Jet A fuel

9. Conditions at the mishap site: Wind direction Wind velocity

Ceiling and visibility

Obstructions to visibility

Temperature

Degrees (F or C) Elevation Sunrise Sunset

Description of Terrain

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 14 of 16

Notes

NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist 15 of 16

The NWCG Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist is developed and maintained by the

Aviation Risk Management Subcommittee (ARMS), under the direction of the National Interagency

Aviation Committee (NIAC), an entity of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

Previous editions: 2014, 2011, 2010, 2006, 2004.

While they may still contain current or useful information, previous editions are obsolete. The user of

this information is responsible for confirming that they have the most up-to-date version. NWCG is the

sole source for the publication.

This publication is available electronically at https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/503.

Comments, questions, and recommendations shall be submitted to the appropriate agency program

manager assigned to the ARMS. View the complete roster at

https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/aviation-risk-management-subcommittee/roster.

Publications and training materials produced by NWCG are in the public domain. Use of public domain

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