Memorial fund set up for Minden pilots

Minden Air Corp. has established a memorial fund for the families of two firefighters who died when their plane crashed in Southern California his month.

Minden Air employees pilot Carl Dolbeare, 54, of Chandler, Ariz., who lived in Carson Valley, and co-pilot John Attardo, 51, of Fort Collins, Colo., were killed when their P2V air tanker crashed nine miles west of San Bernadino, Calif.

The plane, owned by Minden Air, was under contract to the U.S. Forest Service.

Mica Bryant, office manager at Minden Air, said owners Leonard and Janet Parker are expected to return to Carson Valley this week.

They had been investigating the crash site along with the National Transportation Safety Board. It may be several weeks for an official report of the cause, although there have been some reports of a visibility problem.

To donate to the families, go to the Minden Air Web site at www.mindenair.com.