My thoughts are with the families of those who died doing such a dangerous service. However, a number of thoughts spring to mind having read this thread:
1. What is speed/ht profile for such firefighting tasks - the recent ac looked like it was travelling fast and the 1994 ac was reportedly doing 250kts! Why so fast in (likely) turbulent conditions?
2. Why did the NTSB not carry out a more complete investigation in 1994 and what sort of investigation is being done for this accident - initial findings etc?
3. Are there any similarities with the Herc crash in Scotland in 1993? (RAF Hercs re-winged in 1970s?)
4. What of the recent ops/crashes in Afghanistan - including fatigue surveys for USAF/RAF ac?