CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – During firefighting efforts in Yosemite National Park, a helicopter supporting the Dome Fire crashed on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two pilots. The Eurocopter AS32 went down around 2:55 p.m. local time on September 20 in Mariposa County. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft was engaged in firefighting activities at the time. Both individuals onboard lost their lives. The incident happened as teams 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 wildland firefighting support, including work in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection stated he had collaborated with their crews on numerous fires. Cutter was also identified by the helicopter operator after notifying the pilots’ families. The two men were involved in the response to the ongoing wildfire in Yosemite.
Officials involved in the response reported the helicopter was engaged in water bucket operations when it crashed near Ostrander Lake. Helicopters played a key role in supporting firefighting teams across the remote fire zone, including water drops, personnel transport, and supply delivery to hard-to-reach areas. The crash marked a tragic aviation loss amid a large-scale emergency response that involved hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft.
Dome Fire Grows to 3,420 Acres
As of September 22, the Dome Fire expanded to 3,420 acres and was 15% contained, based on California’s latest incident data. The fire, which started on September 15 north of Wawona Dome, remains under investigation for its origin. Crews work to contain flames moving through forested and heavily ground-fueled areas, with previous fire scars and natural granite formations shaping the terrain around firefighting efforts.
The National Park Service reported 581 personnel on scene on September 21 as containment lines were reinforced. Firefighters faced challenging conditions in rugged wilderness, managing spot fires and areas with dense dead and fallen vegetation. Aircraft continued to assist ground crews with water drops and logistical support. Fire managers coordinated resources around nearby communities while maintaining suppression efforts across the main fire and its northern sections.
Federal Agencies Probe Helicopter Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board and federal aviation authorities are investigating the crash. No cause has been publicly disclosed. The FAA identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 and confirmed the accident took place during firefighting operations near Mariposa. Investigators typically review aircraft data, operational records, and other evidence before determining a cause. Authorities have not linked the crash to weather, mechanical issues, or any specific factor.
While the fire persists, Yosemite National Park remains open, though some areas are closed. Officials shut down the Ostrander Lake Trail and nearby southern trails, along with routes around Chilnualna Falls. No evacuation orders or warnings have been issued as of the latest update. The Dome Fire continues to burn, with firefighting efforts ongoing as federal investigators assess the helicopter incident that resulted in the deaths of King and Cutter.