Kruger Rock Fire plane crash

A PILOT was killed while battling the Kruger Rock Fire when a single-engine oil tanker crashed Tuesday night.

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said the crash was first reported around 6:37 p.m. and crews were deployed to the search area.

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The crash site was found around 9:49 p.m. near the southern end of the Hermit Park off Highway 36 south of Estes Park.

“We are saddened to announce that the pilot and the only person on board did not survive.” read a declare from Kroger Fire. An investigation is currently underway.

The tragedy was meant to be a historic flight as it was the first time a fixed-wing aircraft was used to fight a fire at night with night vision goggles.

9NEWS talk to the pilot before but now without revealing his name, who said he was “excited” to make history.

“I think it’s pretty cool to be a part of it,” he said. “This is the culmination of about five years of pretty hard work.”

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More to follow…

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