CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – During firefighting operations against the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park, a helicopter crashed, resulting in the death of two pilots. The incident involved a Eurocopter AS32 that went down in Mariposa County at approximately 2:55 p.m. on Sept. 20. The aircraft had been actively supporting crews working to contain the wildfire in challenging, rugged terrain. Federal aviation officials confirmed that both individuals aboard the helicopter lost their lives. The crash happened near the Ostrander Lake area while aerial resources were assisting in the broader firefighting effort.
The pilots were identified by Precision Helicopters as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. Both men were engaged in wildfire suppression when the accident occurred. King possessed extensive experience flying in support of wildland fire operations and had worked on multiple assignments with firefighting teams in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection acknowledged his long-standing involvement with its activities following the crash. After notifying family members, Precision Helicopters also confirmed Cutter’s identity.
Authorities reported that prior to the crash, the helicopter was conducting water bucket operations, according to released information. Aircraft have been instrumental in supporting firefighters in Yosemite’s steep terrain, where ground access is limited. Their roles have included dropping water, relocating personnel, and transporting supplies. Hundreds of firefighters have been working on containment lines around the Dome Fire. The fatal accident added a tragic element to an already complex wildfire response involving crews, aircraft, and backcountry operations.
Dome Fire Continues to Grow in Yosemite
As of Sept. 22, the Dome Fire had burned 3,420 acres and was 15% contained, according to current California incident updates. The wildfire was ignited on Sept. 15 north of Wawona Dome in Yosemite National Park, with its cause still under investigation. Firefighters have faced dense timber, heavy ground fuels, and difficult terrain while working along the fire’s perimeter. Natural granite formations and areas affected by previous fires are also part of the landscape surrounding ongoing suppression efforts.
On Sept. 21, the National Park Service reported a deployment of 581 personnel to manage the incident. Crews continued constructing and reinforcing containment lines across remote sections of the park. They also addressed spot fires and areas with thick fallen vegetation. Aircraft provided water drops and logistical support to ground teams operating in the affected zones. Yosemite remained mostly open, with closures in place near the active fire zone and surrounding backcountry routes, according to officials.
Federal Agencies Investigate the Deadly Helicopter Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board along with federal aviation authorities are conducting an investigation into the helicopter crash. No cause has been publicly announced yet. Records from federal agencies identify the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 involved in firefighting activities near Mariposa. Investigators are expected to examine wreckage, flight records, and other evidence as part of the formal investigation process. At this stage, authorities have not linked the crash to weather conditions, mechanical issues, or any other specific factors. An official explanation for the cause of the accident has not yet been established.
Fire restrictions and closures remain active across parts of southern Yosemite as firefighting efforts continue on the Dome Fire. The Ostrander Lake Trail and adjacent areas south of it have been closed. Trails around Chilnualna Falls and other nearby backcountry routes are also affected. Officials have not issued any evacuation orders or warnings in the latest updates from the park. Firefighters persist in their suppression efforts while investigators look into the helicopter tragedy that claimed the lives of King and Cutter during this ongoing wildfire response in California.