BLM Aviation Safety and Training 

FY 2020

1

Safety Management Systems 

(SMS)

The BLM continues its 

dedication to SMS. Unfortunately 

COVID restrictions prevented a 

review for 2020. Plans for a field 

review 2021 are in place.

SAFECOM Summary F20 

(Submissions)

• Helicopter (52) 1 submission 

per 133 Flt. Hr.

• SEAT/FB (31) 1 submission 

per 131 Flt. Hr.

• Fixed Wing (46) 1 

submission per 259 Flt. Hr.

• UAS (5) 1 submission per 32 

Flt. Hr.

Average for all types of aircraft: 

1 submission per 171 flight 

hours. FY19 = 1/206 Flt Hr.

Non-Fire Training (IAT)

• IAT course completions 

FY20= 4491, FY19= 4450 

• Course most often 

completed: A-100 Basic 

Aviation Safety, A-110 Transport of Hazardous Materials, 

A-200 Annual Mishap 

Review, A-116 General 

Awareness Security, M-3 

Aviation Management for 

Supervisors.

• Upcoming ACE events: 

Spring 2021 San Diego, CA 

& Atlanta, GA

Four Accidents 

• FB-214, Unalakleet, AK. May 31, 2020 While departing with a load of water 

after executing a scoop, aircraft’s left float impacted a small 20 ft. hill. Aircraft 

safely landed post impact. No injuries or fatalities. NTSB# ANC20CA052 

• FB-210, Birch Creek, AK July 14, 2020 Aircraft encountered an un-commanded 

hard tight turn after touching down and applying power to execute a scoop, 

resulting in loss of direction and impact to terrain and trees. No injuries or 

fatalities. NTSB# ANC20LA069

• T-824, T-866, Midair, Elgin, NV July 30, 2020 During subsequent retardant 

drops, a flight of two SEATs collided while delivering retardant in a tag and extend 

tactic. The trail aircraft collided with the lead SEAT on climb out immediately after 

releasing retardant load. Two fatalities. NTSB# WPR20LA246(A)(B) 

• T-857, Emmett, ID Sept 22, 2020 After descending a ridge to make the drop, the 

aircraft failed to release the retardant load and subsequently impacted rising terrain 

during the attempted climb out. One fatality. NTSB# WPR20LA315

Incident with Potential 

• FB-210, Isom Creek, AK June 7, 2020 Aircraft encountered and un-commanded 

hard right turn after touching down and applying power to execute a scoop. Pilot 

was able to stop the momentum of the FB-210, Isom Creek, AK June 7, 2020

Aircraft encountered and un-commanded hard right turn after touching down and 

applying power to execute a scoop. Pilot was able to stop the momentum of the 

aircraft and coast into a floating mass of vegetation. No injuries or fatalities. 

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Accidents 0 2 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 4

Accident Rate 0 6.6 7.8 6.6 0 0 4.25 7.18 0 17.4

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

BLM Accident & Accident Rate

2011-2020

Accidents

Accident Rate

Trendline

ZERO

BLM 10 Yr. Avg.

5.1 accidents/100k 

flt. hrs.

6.6

7.8

ZEROZERO

4.2

ZERO

6.6

17.4

7.18

# of Accidents/100,00 Flt Hrs

Questions or comments, contact Kirk Rothwell Aviation Safety & Training Advisor 208-387-5879 or mrothwell@blm.gov
BLM Aviation Safety and Training 

FY 2020

2

NV-CNIDC, Lily Konanatz. Attention to Detail prevented potential mishap. Safecom 20-1158

Often behind the scene staff is overlooked for their professionalism, attention to detail and dedication to ensuring 

aircraft operations are being conducted safely and efficiently. We would like to recognize Lily for her dedication as an 

employee with great work ethic, professionalism and a great team member within our interagency aviation operations.

Aviation Leadership Development Initiative (ALDI) 2020-2022

Two candidates selected: May 2020 forward - completed/participated, one UAM detail, one AOBD sign-off. Fall/

Winter 2020-2021, College course work in Aviation Safety Management System & Risk Mgmt. Interagency UAS on-job 

participation & Pilot Ground School. 

Acronyms:

ACE = Aviation Centered Education

AFF = Automated Flight Following

ALDI = Aviation Leadership Development Initiative

AK = Alaska

AOBD = Air Operations Branch Director

ASAT = Aviation Safety Assistance Team

ASGS (t) = Air Support Group Supervisor (trainee)

BLM = Bureau of Land Management

Ex-Use = Exclusive Use 

FB = Fireboss

Flt = Flight

FW = Fixed Wing

FY = Fiscal Year

Hrs. = Hours

IAT = Interagency Aviation Training

IWP = Incident with Potential

L48 = Lower 48 contiguous states

NTSB = National Transportation Safety Board

NV- CNIDC = Nevada, Central Nevada Interagency Dispatch Center

OAS = Office of Aviation Services

Safecom = Safety Communique

SEAT = Single Engine Air Tanker

SMS = Safety Management System

UAS = Unmanned Aerial System (drone)

USFS = United States Forest Service

WH&B = Wild Horse and Burro