CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – During firefighting operations against the Dome Fire, a helicopter supporting efforts within Yosemite National Park crashed, resulting in the deaths of two pilots. The incident occurred in Mariposa County at approximately 2:55 p.m. on September 20. The Eurocopter AS32 was actively assisting teams battling the wildfire across rugged terrain when it went down. Federal aviation authorities confirmed the fatalities of everyone onboard. The crash took place near Ostrander Lake as aerial firefighting resources played a vital role in the larger firefighting strategy.
The pilots involved have been identified by Precision Helicopters as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. Both were engaged in wildfire suppression when the helicopter collided with the terrain. King brought extensive experience in wildland firefighting support aviation, having previously worked with fire crews in Alaska on multiple missions. His long-standing involvement with the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection was acknowledged following the incident. Precision Helicopters also verified Cutter’s identity after notifying his family members.
According to authorities, the helicopter was engaged in water bucket operations prior to the crash. Aircraft like this are crucial for firefighting efforts in Yosemite’s steep and inaccessible regions, facilitating water drops, transporting personnel, and delivering supplies. Ground crews, numbering in the hundreds, have been working on containment lines around the Dome Fire. The accident has added a tragic aviation component to an already intricate wildfire response that involves ground crews, aircraft, and remote area operations.
Dome Fire Continues to Spread in Yosemite
As of September 22, the Dome Fire had burned 3,420 acres and was 15% contained, according to current California incident reports. The blaze originated on September 15 north of Wawona Dome within Yosemite National Park, though the cause remains undetermined. Firefighters have encountered dense timber, substantial ground fuels, and challenging terrain during their efforts along the fire’s perimeter. The landscape features natural granite formations and areas previously affected by fires, complicating suppression activities.
On September 21, the National Park Service reported a team of 581 personnel assigned to manage the incident. Crews have been actively constructing and reinforcing containment lines across isolated sections of the park. They also addressed spot fires and areas with heavy fallen vegetation. Aircraft have provided vital water support and logistical aid to ground crews operating across the affected zones. Most of Yosemite remains accessible, though closures are in place near the active fire zone and in backcountry routes surrounding it.
Investigations Underway Following Helicopter Tragedy
The National Transportation Safety Board and other federal aviation agencies are conducting an investigation into the helicopter crash. No cause has yet been determined. Official records show the aircraft involved was a Eurocopter AS32 engaged in firefighting near Mariposa. Authorities plan to analyze the wreckage, flight data, and other evidence as part of the ongoing inquiry. To date, investigators have not linked weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other specific factors to the accident. No official conclusion has been reached regarding the reason for the crash.
Fire restrictions and closure orders persisted across sections of southern Yosemite as firefighting crews continued work on the Dome Fire. The Ostrander Lake Trail and areas south of it remained closed, along with trails around Chilnualna Falls and other nearby backcountry routes. Park officials had not issued any evacuation warnings or orders in the latest updates. While firefighting operations are ongoing, investigators are examining the helicopter accident that claimed the lives of King and Cutter during this wildfire response in California.