CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A firefighting helicopter went down in Yosemite National Park on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two pilots during operations fighting the Dome Fire. The Eurocopter AS32 crashed around 2:55 p.m. local time on Sept. 20 in Mariposa County. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft was engaged in firefighting activities when the accident occurred. Both individuals onboard lost their lives. The crash happened amid efforts by ground crews and aircraft working across rugged terrain within the California national park.
Precision Helicopters identified the pilots as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. King was known for his extensive experience supporting wildland firefighting efforts, including deployments in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection confirmed he had collaborated with its teams on numerous fires. Following notification to the pilots’ families, the helicopter operator also confirmed Cutter’s identity. Both men operated the aircraft as part of the response to the ongoing wildfire in Yosemite.
Officials involved in the response stated that the helicopter was performing water bucket operations when it crashed near Ostrander Lake. Helicopters have played a crucial role in supporting firefighting efforts across the remote fire zone. Their responsibilities included water drops, moving personnel, and delivering supplies to areas that are difficult to access by ground. The incident added a fatal aviation accident to an emergency effort already mobilizing hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft.
Dome Fire Grows to 3,420 Acres
As of September 22, the Dome Fire had expanded to 3,420 acres and was 15% contained, according to California’s latest incident data. The fire started on September 15, north of Wawona Dome in Yosemite National Park, with its cause still under investigation. Firefighters have been working to control flames advancing through dense timber and heavy ground fuels. Previously burned areas and natural granite features continue to shape the terrain around suppression efforts.
The National Park Service reported 581 personnel assigned to the fire as of September 21, as teams worked to reinforce containment lines. Conditions across the rugged wilderness proved challenging for crews, who also managed spot fires and areas with heavy dead and downed vegetation. Aircraft supported ground operations through water drops and logistical support. Resources were strategically placed around nearby communities while efforts persisted in controlling the fire’s main body and its northern sections.
Federal Agencies Launch Investigation into Helicopter Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board along with federal aviation authorities are conducting an inquiry into the helicopter accident. No cause has been publicly announced yet. The FAA identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 and confirmed that the crash took place during firefighting operations near Mariposa. Investigators typically analyze the aircraft, operational records, and other evidence before drawing conclusions. So far, no findings have been released linking the incident to weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other specific factors.
While the fire continues to burn, Yosemite National Park remains open, although some areas in the southern part are affected by closures. The Ostrander Lake Trail and regions south of it, along with trails around Chilnualna Falls and nearby backcountry routes, have been closed. No evacuation orders or warnings have been issued in the latest update. The Dome Fire persists, with crews continuing suppression activities as federal investigators look into the fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of King and Cutter.
}】