Porterville, CA – On Friday, August 7, 2026, a Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter crashed while supporting firefighting operations on the Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah. The City of Porterville and the County of Tulare mourn the tragic loss of Miles Elliott, a Porterville native.
Miles was one of two pilots aboard a Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter that crashed. The aircraft was operating under an exclusive-use contract with the U.S. Forest Service, and both pilots were employees of Helicopter Transport Services.
Miles represented the very best of Porterville. He was a devoted father, pilot, entrepreneur, photographer, mentor, firefighter and an incredibly gifted person who used his talents to serve others and give back to the community he called home. He served as an Extra-Help Firefighter for the Tulare County Fire Department for nearly 15 years. In addition he also served on the Porterville Airport Committee and the Porterville Little
League Board, giving his time and talents back to the community he loved.
On Friday, August 14, 2026, Miles will be transferred from Utah to the Porterville Airport for a dignified transfer to Myers Funeral Home in Porterville. The transfer aircraft is expected to arrive at Porterville Airport at 1300 hours. Miles will be transferred to Myers Funeral Home in a procession of fire engines and law enforcement vehicles.
The procession will leave the Porterville Airport and proceed; North on Newcomb to Highway 190, East on Highway 190 to Jaye St, North on Jaye St. to Putnam, East on Putnam to “E” St where it will arrive at Myers Funeral Home.
We ask that anyone wanting to pay their respects to Miles please follow all traffic laws and stay on the sidewalks and out of intersection as the procession takes place. Please avoid the airport during the transfer of Miles