CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A helicopter involved in firefighting efforts in Yosemite National Park went down on Sunday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of two pilots working against the Dome Fire. The incident occurred around 2:55 p.m. local time on September 20 in Mariposa County. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the crash happened amidst firefighting activities. Both individuals on board lost their lives. The tragedy unfolded as ground crews and aircraft operated across steep and rugged terrain within the national park.
Precision Helicopters identified the deceased as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. King was known for his extensive experience in wildland firefighting support, including assignments in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection noted that he had collaborated with its teams on numerous fire incidents. Following notification to the pilots’ families, the helicopter operator also confirmed Cutter’s identity. The two men were part of the firefighting effort responding to the active wildfire in Yosemite.
Officials involved in the emergency response stated that the helicopter was engaged in water bucket operations when the crash occurred near Ostrander Lake. Helicopters played a key role in supporting firefighting teams across the remote fire zone by performing water drops, transporting personnel, and delivering supplies to areas with limited ground access. The crash marked another deadly aviation accident within an operation that already mobilized hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft.
Dome Fire expands 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 blaze started on September 15 north of Wawona Dome in Yosemite National Park. The cause remains under investigation. Firefighters have focused on halting the fire’s spread through dense timber and heavily vegetated ground fuels. Previous fire footprints and natural granite formations are part of the terrain surrounding the firefighting efforts.
The National Park Service reported that 581 personnel were assigned to the fire on September 21, as crews worked to strengthen containment lines. Firefighters faced difficult conditions across steep and rugged wilderness terrain, managing spot fires and areas with significant dead and downed vegetation. Aircraft continued to support ground crews with water and logistics missions. Resources were strategically positioned around nearby communities, while suppression efforts persisted across the main fire area and its northern sections.
Investigations Underway Into Helicopter Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board and other federal aviation authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash. No cause has yet been determined. The FAA listed the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 and confirmed that the accident occurred during firefighting operations near Mariposa. Investigators will typically analyze the aircraft, operational records, and other evidence before issuing a conclusion. To date, no findings have been released linking the crash to weather conditions, mechanical failure, or any specific factor.
While Yosemite National Park remains accessible, certain areas have been closed due to fire-related hazards. Officials shut down the Ostrander Lake Trail and regions south of it, along with trails around Chilnualna Falls and nearby backcountry routes. No evacuation orders or warnings have been issued in the latest update. The Dome Fire remains active, with firefighting teams continuing suppression efforts while federal investigators examine the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of King and Cutter.