CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A firefighting helicopter crashed within Yosemite National Park, resulting in the deaths of two pilots involved in combating the Dome Fire. The incident occurred around 2:55 p.m. on September 20 in Mariposa County when the Eurocopter AS32 went down while supporting firefighting teams navigating the rugged terrain. Federal aviation authorities confirmed that both individuals aboard the helicopter lost their lives. The crash took place near the Ostrander Lake area as aerial resources contributed to the larger firefighting operation.
The pilots were identified by Precision Helicopters as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. Both men were engaged in wildfire suppression efforts when their helicopter crashed. King possessed extensive experience flying in wildland fire support roles and had participated in multiple assignments with firefighting crews in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection acknowledged his longstanding involvement with its operations following the incident. Precision Helicopters also verified Cutter’s identity following family notifications.
Authorities indicated that the helicopter was performing water bucket missions prior to the crash. Aircraft like this are vital in Yosemite’s difficult terrain, providing water drops, relocating personnel, and ferrying supplies to firefighting teams. In addition, hundreds of firefighters have worked on establishing containment lines around the Dome Fire. The crash marked a tragic aviation incident amid an already complex wildfire response involving personnel, aircraft, and remote area operations.
Dome Fire Continues to Grow in Yosemite
As of September 22, the Dome Fire had expanded to 3,420 acres with 15% containment, according to California incident reports. The fire, which started on September 15 north of Wawona Dome within Yosemite National Park, remains of unknown origin. Firefighters face challenging conditions, including heavy fuels, dense timber, and rugged terrain, as they work along the fire’s perimeter. The landscape features natural granite formations and areas burned by previous fires, complicating suppression efforts further.
On September 21, the National Park Service reported a total of 581 personnel assigned to the incident. Crews have continued constructing and reinforcing containment lines across remote park sections. They also addressed spot fires and areas of thick fallen vegetation. Aircraft support, including water drops and logistical assistance, has played a crucial role for ground teams operating across the affected zones. Yosemite remains largely open, though closures persist near the active fire zone and key backcountry routes.
Federal Agencies Probe the Deadly Helicopter Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board along with federal aviation authorities are actively investigating the helicopter crash. No cause has been officially announced. Records show the aircraft involved was a Eurocopter AS32 operating in firefighting efforts close to Mariposa. Investigators will analyze wreckage, flight data, and other evidence as part of their investigation. At this stage, authorities have not linked the crash to weather issues, mechanical faults, or any other specific cause. No definitive explanation has emerged regarding why the aircraft went down.
Fire restrictions and closures remain in effect across parts of southern Yosemite, as firefighting crews continue their work on the Dome Fire. The Ostrander Lake Trail and areas south of it have been closed, along with trails around Chilnualna Falls and nearby backcountry routes. Authorities have not issued any evacuation orders or warnings as of the latest park update. While fire suppression activities carry on, investigators are examining the fatal helicopter accident that resulted in the deaths of King and Cutter during California’s wildfire response efforts.