CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A rescue helicopter involved in wildfire suppression crashed within Yosemite National Park on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two pilots during operations aimed at controlling the Dome Fire. The Eurocopter AS32 went down around 2:55 p.m. local time on September 20 in Mariposa County. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft was engaged in firefighting activities at the time of the crash. Tragically, both individuals aboard lost their lives. The incident occurred amidst efforts by ground crews and aircraft to combat the fire across rugged and steep terrain within the California national park.
Precision Helicopters identified the pilots as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. King was known for his extensive experience in supporting wildland firefighting, including deployments in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection stated that he had worked alongside its teams on numerous fire incidents. Following notification of the pilots’ families, the helicopter operator also identified Cutter. Both men were operating the aircraft as part of the response to the ongoing wildfire burning in Yosemite.
Officials involved in firefighting operations report that the helicopter was engaged in water bucket tasks when it crashed near Ostrander Lake. Helicopters have played a vital role in supporting firefighting efforts across the remote fire zone, providing water drops, transporting personnel, and delivering supplies to areas difficult to access by ground. The accident marked a tragic addition to the ongoing emergency response, which had already mobilized hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft to contain the blaze.
Dome Fire Expands to 3,420 Acres and Continues to Burn
As of September 22, the Dome Fire had expanded to 3,420 acres and was 15% contained, according to the latest incident data from California. The fire originated on September 15, north of Wawona Dome within Yosemite National Park. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Firefighters are working diligently to contain the flames, which are spreading through forests and dense ground fuels. The landscape around the fire has been shaped by previous burn scars and the natural granite formations that make up the terrain, which complicate containment efforts.
On September 21, the National Park Service reported that 581 personnel were assigned to the fire, as crews worked to reinforce containment lines. Firefighters face difficult conditions in the rugged wilderness, battling steep terrain and heavy dead and downed vegetation. Aircraft continue to assist ground crews through water drops and logistical support. Authorities have strategically positioned resources around nearby communities, maintaining suppression activities across the main fire zone and its northern sections while responding to new spot fires and managing heavy fuels.
Federal Agencies Launch Investigation into Helicopter Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board along with other federal aviation authorities are currently investigating the cause of the helicopter crash. No official explanation has been provided yet. The FAA identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 and confirmed that the incident took place during firefighting operations near Mariposa. Investigators will analyze the aircraft, operational records, and other available evidence before reaching any conclusions. To date, authorities have not released any findings linking the crash to weather conditions, mechanical failure, or other specific factors.
While the fire continues to burn, Yosemite National Park remains open, though certain areas are temporarily closed due to fire-related safety measures. The Ostrander Lake Trail and regions south of it are shut, along with trails around Chilnualna Falls and other backcountry routes. Officials have not issued any evacuation orders or warnings in the latest update. The Dome Fire persists, with firefighting teams maintaining suppression efforts while federal investigators examine the fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of King and Cutter.
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