CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – On Sunday, a firefighting helicopter tragically went down in Yosemite National Park, resulting in the deaths of two pilots engaged in efforts against the Dome Fire. The Eurocopter AS32 crashed around 2:55 p.m. local time on September 20 in Mariposa County. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft went down while actively involved in firefighting activities. Both individuals on board lost their lives in the incident. The crash happened as ground crews and aircraft operated across rugged terrain within the California park.
Precision Helicopters identified the pilots as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. King was highly experienced in supporting wildland firefighting, including assignments in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection stated he had collaborated with its teams on multiple fires. Following notification to the pilots’ families, the helicopter company also identified Cutter. The two men were flying the aircraft as part of the response to the active wildfire burning in Yosemite.
Officials involved in the response indicated the helicopter was performing water bucket operations when it crashed near the Ostrander Lake area. Helicopters have played a key role in supporting firefighting efforts in this remote fire zone. Their tasks included water drops, transporting personnel, and delivering supplies to locations with limited ground access. The crash marked a tragic addition to an emergency operation that already involved hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft.
Dome Fire Extends to 3,420 Acres with 15% Containment
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. Its cause remains under investigation. Firefighters are working to contain flames moving through dense timber and ground fuels. The fire’s previous footprint and natural granite formations have influenced the terrain around suppression efforts.
The National Park Service reported that 581 personnel were assigned to the fire on September 21, as teams worked to strengthen containment lines. Conditions remain challenging in steep and rugged wilderness. Crews are also managing spot fires and areas with heavy dead and downed vegetation. Aircraft continue to support ground operations through water drops and logistical missions. Fire managers strategically position resources around nearby communities while maintaining efforts within the main fire zone and its northern parts.
Federal Authorities Launch Investigation into Helicopter Fatality
The National Transportation Safety Board along with federal aviation officials are investigating the cause of the helicopter crash. No official explanation has been provided yet. The FAA listed the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 and confirmed the incident occurred during firefighting operations near Mariposa. Investigators typically review the aircraft, operational records, and available evidence before determining the cause. To date, authorities have not linked the crash to weather conditions, mechanical failure, or any other specific factor.
While Yosemite National Park remains open, certain park areas have been temporarily closed due to fire activity. The Ostrander Lake Trail and regions south of it, along with trails around Chilnualna Falls and other backcountry routes, are shut. No evacuation orders or warnings have been issued in the latest park update. The Dome Fire continues to burn actively, with crews maintaining suppression efforts as federal investigators assess the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of King and Cutter.