CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – In Yosemite National Park, two pilots lost their lives when a firefighting helicopter crashed during efforts to combat the Dome Fire. The incident took place in Mariposa County around 2:55 p.m. on September 20. The Eurocopter AS32 was supporting firefighting crews operating in challenging, rugged terrain when it went down. Federal aviation officials confirmed that both individuals aboard the aircraft perished. The crash occurred near Ostrander Lake as aerial resources assisted in the larger firefighting operation.
Precision Helicopters identified the deceased pilots as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. Both were actively engaged in wildfire suppression at the time of the crash. King brought extensive experience supporting wildland fire efforts and had previously worked with firefighting teams in Alaska on various assignments. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection acknowledged his long-term involvement with their operations after the incident. Additionally, Precision Helicopters verified Cutter’s identity following notifications to his family members.
According to authorities, the helicopter was engaged in water bucket operations prior to the crash. Aircraft like this have played a vital role in supporting firefighters in Yosemite’s steep and inaccessible terrains, involving water drops, personnel movements, and supply transportation. In the effort to contain the Dome Fire, hundreds of firefighters have worked on establishing containment lines around the blaze. The accident has added a tragic dimension to an already complex wildfire response involving crews, aircraft, and backcountry operations.
Dome Fire Continues to Spread in Yosemite
As of September 22, the Dome Fire expanded to 3,420 acres and was 15% contained, according to the latest California incident reports. The fire was first reported on September 15 north of Wawona Dome within Yosemite National Park. The cause remains undetermined. Firefighters have encountered dense timber, heavy ground fuels, and difficult terrain as they work around the fire’s perimeter. The landscape also features natural granite formations and areas affected by previous fires, complicating containment efforts.
On September 21, the National Park Service reported a team of 581 personnel assigned to the fire incident. Crews continued to build and reinforce containment lines across remote park sections, while addressing spot fires and areas overwhelmed with fallen vegetation. Aircraft support included water drops and logistical assistance for ground teams operating within the affected zones. Yosemite remained largely accessible, although closures persisted near the active fire zone and in the backcountry.
Investigations Underway into Fatal Helicopter Crash
National Transportation Safety Board and federal aviation authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash. An official cause has not yet been determined. Records confirm the aircraft involved was a Eurocopter AS32 actively supporting firefighting efforts near Mariposa. Investigators plan to analyze wreckage, flight data, and other evidence as part of their investigation. At this stage, weather, mechanical issues, or any other specific factors have not been linked to the accident. No definitive cause has been established for the aircraft’s crash.
Fire restrictions and closures continued across portions of southern Yosemite as firefighting efforts persisted on the Dome Fire. The Ostrander Lake Trail and nearby areas south of it remained closed. Trails around Chilnualna Falls and other backcountry routes were also affected. Authorities did not issue any evacuation warnings or orders in the latest park updates. Fire crews pressed on with suppression activities while investigators examined the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of King and Cutter during this wildfire response in California.