Springfield pilot, coffee shop owner dies fighting Montana wildfire

HELENA, Mont. (WCIA) — A Springfield coffee shop owner and pilot has died after her plane crashed while fighting a wildfire in Montana.

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, parts of which are burning in the Horse Gulch Fire, announced that Juliana Turchetti passed away while collecting water from a reservoir. Her plane, an Air Tractor 802, crashed into the water and she did not survive.

Turchetti’s plane was under contract by the Idaho Department of Lands and was on loan to the U.S. Forest Service to aid in firefighting efforts.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Juliana. The IDL firefighting and aviation community has been hit hard by this tragedy,” said IDL Director Dustin Miller. “Wildland firefighters, by air and by ground, step up to do this dangerous work to protect our communities and lands. Juliana has given the ultimate sacrifice. Our hearts are heavy and she will not be forgotten.”

Prior to living and working in Idaho, Turchetti was born in Brazil, where she became one of the country’s first female agriculture pilots. After immigrating to the United States and settling in Illinois’ capital city, she became an advocate for agricultural aviation and was a frequent guest of local aviation groups and historical societies.

The Latin American Aviation Historical Society and the Springfield chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association both paid tribute to her with posts on their Facebook pages. An EAA spokesperson told WCIA that Turchetti often provided free coffee at their events and that the last time they spoke with her, she said “I can’t wait to get back to what I love doing.”

In addition to her love of flying, Turchetti loved brewing Brazilian coffee and was the owner of Aviatori Coffeehouse on Logan Avenue. After running the coffee shop for two years, Turchetti sold the business in the spring after accepting her firefighting job in Idaho.

In a video posted to the business’ Facebook page in March, Turchetti said it was her ultimate goal in aviation to help fight fires from the air.

Turchetti’s passing was also recognized by the Governors of Montana and Idaho, Greg Gianforte and Brad Little, who issued the following joint statement:

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the young female wildland firefighter who tragically lost her life responding to the Horse Gulch fire in Helena, Montana. Our first responders and wildland firefighters put their lives on the line to quickly respond to threats and protect our communities. It’s a true act of bravery to run toward a fire. We join all Montanans and Idahoans in praying for the fallen hero’s family and friends during this tragic time.

Governors Greg Gianforte and Brad Little

Turchetti is survived by her 17-year-old son who lives in Brazil.

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