CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A firefighting helicopter went down in Yosemite National Park on Sunday, leading to the deaths of two pilots during operations aimed at combating the Dome Fire. The Eurocopter AS32 crashed at approximately 2:55 p.m. local time on September 20 within Mariposa County. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft was involved in firefighting activities when the accident occurred. Both individuals onboard lost their lives as ground crews and aircraft operated amidst steep terrain in the California national park.
The pilots were identified by Precision Helicopters as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. King brought significant experience in wildland firefighting support, including assignments in Alaska, and the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection noted his collaboration with their teams on numerous fires. 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 an active wildfire in Yosemite when the crash occurred.
According to officials involved in the emergency response, the helicopter was performing water bucket operations when it unfortunately crashed near Ostrander Lake. Helicopters had played a critical role in supporting firefighting crews across the remote fire zone by conducting water drops, transporting personnel, and delivering supplies to areas with limited ground access. The incident marked a tragic addition to the ongoing emergency, which already involved hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft, emphasizing the inherent risks of aerial firefighting in difficult terrain.
Dome Fire Expands to 3,420 Acres
As of September 22, the Dome Fire had grown to encompass 3,420 acres and was approximately 15% contained, according to the current incident data from California. The fire originated on September 15 north of Wawona Dome in Yosemite National Park, with the exact cause still under investigation. Firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the flames that are consuming timber and heavy ground fuels, with natural granite formations and previous burn areas providing some terrain features that complicate suppression efforts.
On September 21, the National Park Service reported that 581 personnel were assigned to the fire, working diligently to reinforce containment lines. Crews faced difficult conditions across rugged, steep wilderness, contending with spot fires and areas densely covered with dead and fallen vegetation. Aircraft continued to support ground operations through water and logistics missions, while fire managers strategically allocated resources around neighboring communities to support suppression efforts across the main fire zone and its northern sectors.
Investigation Underway Following Helicopter Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board along with federal aviation authorities are currently conducting investigations into the helicopter accident, though no cause has been publicly announced. The FAA identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 and confirmed that the crash took place during firefighting operations near Mariposa. Investigators are systematically reviewing aircraft data, operational records, and other available evidence before drawing conclusions. To date, no links have been established connecting the crash to weather conditions, mechanical issues, or any other specific factors.
Yosemite National Park remains open to visitors, although certain areas have been closed due to fire-related concerns. Officials closed the Ostrander Lake Trail and areas south of it, as well as trails around Chilnualna Falls and other backcountry routes. There have been no evacuation orders or warnings issued in the latest update from park authorities. While the Dome Fire continues to burn actively, crews persist with suppression efforts while federal investigators examine the helicopter crash that tragically resulted in the deaths of Greg King and Ryan Cutter.