Two Black Hawks Donated To Maui Rebuilding Efforts

Black Widow Helicopters has announced plans to donate two Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawks to assist with rebuilding efforts following deadly wildfires on Maui. The company, which runs a modernization program…

Image: Black Widow Helicopters

Black Widow Helicopters has announced plans to donate two Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawks to assist with rebuilding efforts following deadly wildfires on Maui. The company, which runs a modernization program for UH-60s, says it will customize the helicopters to ensure they are “equipped to cater to the specific aerial needs of the community.” Black Widow noted that it will also dedicate resources to keep the donated aircraft flight ready.

“The profound loss of life and property in Maui has deeply resonated with us,” said Todd Dunphy, Black Widow head of corporate development. “Our commitment is solidified with the donation of two of our Black Hawks, dedicated to Maui’s restoration operations that will be pivotal in the foreseeable future.”

The exact cause of the wildfires, which began on Aug. 8, is not yet known. Already the deadliest fire-related disaster in the U.S. in more than 100 years, the confirmed death toll rose to over 90 on Monday with searches ongoing for many people still reported missing. Property damage has been estimated at over $5.5 billion.

Kate O’Connor works as AVweb's Editor-in-Chief. She is a private pilot, certificated aircraft dispatcher, and graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.