CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A firefighting helicopter tragically crashed within Yosemite National Park while combating the Dome Fire, resulting in the deaths of both pilots onboard. The Eurocopter AS32 went down in Mariposa County around 2:55 p.m. on Sept. 20. The aircraft had been assisting crews in fighting the wildfire across challenging terrain. Federal aviation authorities confirmed that all individuals aboard the helicopter lost their lives. The incident took place near the Ostrander Lake region as aerial firefighting resources supported the larger effort to contain the fire.
Identified by Precision Helicopters, the pilots were Greg King and Ryan Cutter. Both were engaged in firefighting operations at the time of the crash. King brought extensive experience supporting wildland fire missions and had previously worked with firefighting teams in Alaska on various assignments. His long-standing involvement with the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection was acknowledged after the incident. Following family notifications, Precision Helicopters also confirmed Cutter’s identity.
Authorities reported that the helicopter had been conducting water bucket drops prior to the crash. Aircraft have played a vital role in assisting firefighters throughout Yosemite, especially in areas where steep terrain hampers ground access. Their tasks have included water drops, transporting personnel, and delivering supplies. Additionally, hundreds of firefighters have been engaged in establishing containment lines around the Dome Fire. The crash marked a fatal aviation accident amid an already intricate wildfire response involving personnel, aircraft, and backcountry operations.
Dome Fire Continues to Grow in Yosemite
As of September 22, the Dome Fire had expanded to 3,420 acres and was 15% contained, according to the latest information from California incident reports. The wildfire began on September 15 north of Wawona Dome within Yosemite National Park. Its cause remains undetermined. Firefighters have encountered dense timber, heavy ground fuels, and difficult terrain while working around the fire perimeter. The landscape includes natural granite formations and areas previously burned by earlier fires, complicating suppression efforts.
On September 21, the National Park Service reported a total of 581 personnel involved in fighting the fire. Crews continued to construct and reinforce containment lines across remote sections of the park. They also worked to control spot fires and areas with thick fallen vegetation. Aircraft provided essential water drops and logistical support for ground teams operating across the affected zones. Despite the ongoing firefighting efforts, most of Yosemite remained open, with closures limited to areas near the active fire and backcountry routes surrounding it.
Investigation Underway into the Fatal Helicopter Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board along with federal aviation authorities are conducting an investigation into the helicopter crash. No cause has been officially announced. Federal records identify the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 engaged in firefighting activities near Mariposa. Investigators are expected to analyze the wreckage, flight records, and other evidence during the investigation. At this stage, no link has been established between the crash and weather conditions, mechanical failure, or other specific factors. The cause of the accident remains undetermined pending the investigation’s findings.
Fire restrictions and closures persist across parts of southern Yosemite as firefighting operations continue on the Dome Fire. Authorities have closed the Ostrander Lake Trail and the areas south of it. Trails around Chilnualna Falls and nearby backcountry routes also remain affected. No evacuation orders or warnings have been issued according to the latest park updates. Fire crews maintain their suppression efforts while investigators examine the tragic helicopter accident that resulted in the deaths of King and Cutter during California’s wildfire response efforts.