Australia wildfires: Three Americans killed as firefighting plane crashes while battling blazes

Reports of ‘large fireball’ as C-130 Hercules hits ground

The C-130 Hercules which crashed, seen dropping fire retardant (SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)

A C-130 Hercules aerial water tanker has crashed while battling wildfires in Australia, killing all three of its crew.

All three victims were American citizens, Australian authorities said, adding it was not immediately known why the plane crashed.

“Tragically, there appears to be no survivors as a result of the crash down in the Snowy Monaro area,” said Shane Fitzsimmons, the Rural Fire Services Commissioner for New South Wales state.

“[The tanker] impacted heavily with the ground and initial reports are that there was a large fireball associated with the impact of the plane as it hit the ground. There is no indication at this stage of what’s caused the accident.”

Mr Fitzsimmons said the plane, which was carrying a load of fire retardant, had been leased by Canadian aerial firefighting company Coulson Aviation, which has grounded its large air tanker fleet pending a review to ensure there was no systemic issue such as a fuel problem.

It had a second C-130 Hercules tackling bushfires in Australia.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it was sending a team of investigators to the crash site to collect evidence and would analyse available recorded data, review weather information and interview any witnesses.

It said a preliminary report would be released in about 30 days but if a critical safety issue was identified during the course of the investigation it would immediately notify the relevant stakeholders.

Coulson ​Aviation said the plane was on a firebombing mission and was carrying a load of retardant.

The company said it would send a team to the crash site to assist in the emergency operations.

“The accident is reported to be extensive and we are deeply saddened to confirm there were three fatalities,” the company said.

The deaths take the toll from hundreds of wildfires across eastern Australia to 32 since September. Around 1 billion animals are also thought to have perished, while 2,500 homes have been incinerated.

Additional reporting by agencies