CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A tragic accident occurred when a firefighting helicopter crashed within Yosemite National Park during operations targeting the Dome Fire, resulting in the deaths of two pilots. The Eurocopter AS32 went down in Mariposa County around 2:55 p.m. on September 20, while supporting firefighting efforts across rugged terrain. Federal aviation officials have confirmed that both individuals aboard the aircraft lost their lives in the crash. The incident took place near the Ostrander Lake area as aerial firefighting resources provided support to the overall firefighting effort.
Identified by Precision Helicopters as Greg King and Ryan Cutter, both pilots were engaged in wildfire suppression efforts when the helicopter went down. King brought extensive experience supporting wildland fire missions and had previously collaborated with firefighting teams in Alaska on numerous assignments. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection acknowledged his long-standing involvement with its operations following the incident. Precision Helicopters also verified Cutter’s identity after notifying his family members.
Authorities indicated that the helicopter was engaged in water bucket operations prior to the crash, as detailed in their reports. Aircraft like this play a crucial role in supporting firefighters in areas of Yosemite where steep terrain hampers ground access. Their duties have included water drops, relocating personnel, and transporting supplies. In addition, hundreds of firefighters have worked on constructing containment lines around the Dome Fire. The crash has added a fatal aviation event to an already complex wildfire response that involves ground crews, aircraft, and backcountry operations.
Dome Fire Continues to Spread in Yosemite
As of September 22, the Dome Fire had expanded to 3,420 acres and remained 15% contained, according to the latest information from California incident reports. The wildfire ignited on September 15 north of Wawona Dome within Yosemite National Park, though its cause remains undetermined. Firefighters have faced challenging conditions involving timber, heavy ground fuels, and difficult terrain as they work around the fire perimeter. Natural granite formations and areas previously burned by wildfires are also part of the landscape surrounding ongoing suppression efforts.
On September 21, the National Park Service reported that 581 personnel had been assigned to manage the incident. Crews continued to build and reinforce containment lines across remote sections of the park while addressing spot fires and areas with dense fallen vegetation. Aircraft supported ground operations by providing water and logistical assistance across the affected zones. Most of Yosemite remained open to visitors, although closures persisted near the active fire zone and in surrounding backcountry routes.
Federal Agencies Investigate Deadly Aircraft Collision
The National Transportation Safety Board along with federal aviation authorities are conducting investigations into the helicopter crash, although no cause has been announced yet. Official records list the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 engaged in firefighting activities near Mariposa. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, flight records, and other available evidence as part of the formal investigative process. To date, authorities have not linked the crash to weather conditions, mechanical failure, or any other specific factor, and no official conclusion has been reached regarding the exact cause of the aircraft’s descent.
Meanwhile, fire restrictions and closures persisted across parts of southern Yosemite as firefighting crews continued their efforts to contain the Dome Fire. Authorities closed the Ostrander Lake Trail and surrounding areas south of it, while trails near Chilnualna Falls and other remote routes remained affected. At this time, there have been no evacuation orders or warnings issued in the latest updates from park officials. Firefighters pressed on with suppression efforts while investigators focused on examining the deadly helicopter accident that claimed the lives of King and Cutter amid the ongoing wildfire response in California.