Air Tractor Skyraider Crashes During Firefighting Operation in Texas
A Texas Department of Agriculture Air Tractor AT-802U single-engine air tanker crashed Thursday evening,October 23,2025,while battling the ongoing wildfires in East Texas. The aircraft, registration number N214WN, went down near an active fire line, prompting an immediate examination. The pilot sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
This incident underscores the inherent risks faced by wildland firefighters, especially aerial crews operating in challenging conditions. The loss of an aircraft capable of delivering critical fire retardant considerably impacts ongoing suppression efforts during a period of heightened wildfire activity across the state. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation, focusing on potential mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental factors.
The aircraft, an Air Tractor OA-1K Skyraider II, tail number 22-0009, was operating as part of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s aerial firefighting fleet. According to preliminary reports, the crash occurred at approximately 10:41 PM Central Time. The pilot, whose name has not yet been released, was engaged in dropping retardant on a rapidly spreading wildfire when the incident occurred.
Images circulating on social media, including a post from Nick H. (@N214WN) on X (formerly Twitter), show the wreckage of the aircraft. Doug Warner,a journalist,also shared information and a photograph of the scene on Facebook.
The Texas A&M Forest Service is coordinating with local fire departments and the NTSB to secure the crash site and assess the damage. The investigation is expected to take several months to complete. The aircraft’s construction number (Cn) is currently unconfirmed.
