BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified a pilot who died after a helicopter crash near Mojave as 62-year-old Steven Madewell of New Plymouth, Idaho.
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According to the CHP’s website, an “aircraft emergency” incident was called on Monday, March 9, 2026, at around 3:21 p.m. for a report of a helicopter “down” on fire on Oak Creek Road and 90th Street West.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the crash involved an MD Helicopters 369FF helicopter. The preliminary information they had was that the helicopter rapidly descended into terrain while laying powerlines.
It is unknown if anyone was hurt after a helicopter was on fire near Mojave Monday afternoon. PHOTO: AlertCalifornia
The pilot was identified as Madewell. The coroner’s report said he died at the scene.