Pubdate: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 Source: Log Cabin Democrat (AR) Copyright: The Log Cabin Democrat Contact: http://thecabin.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/548 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER IN PILOTS' DEATHS HOPLAND, Calif. (AP) -- A man was charged with murder Tuesday in the deaths of two pilots whose firefighting planes collided over a blaze that may have broken out at an illegal drug lab in the woods. Frank Brady, 50, of Redwood Valley was being held without bail after Mendocino County prosecutor Norm Vroman filed the charges. A second man, Richard Mortensen, 43, of San Pablo was arrested on outstanding warrants for drug and weapons charges. Vroman said he may also be charged in the deaths. Evidence of a methamphetamine production lab was discovered near the site where the fire began, Vroman said. Investigators spent Tuesday trying to link the two men to illegal activity which may have started the fire. The two planes collided Monday evening near Hopland, about 100 miles north of San Francisco, while dumping fire retardant on the 250-acre wildfire. Killed were retired Navy veteran Larry Groff, 55, and Lars Stratte, 45. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager