CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – During firefighting operations against the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park, a helicopter operated by Eurocopter AS32 crashed, resulting in the deaths of two pilots. The incident occurred in Mariposa County at approximately 2:55 p.m. on September 20. The aircraft had been engaged in supporting firefighting efforts in difficult terrain when the crash happened near the Ostrander Lake vicinity. Federal aviation authorities verified that both individuals onboard lost their lives. The accident took place amid aerial support activities that aimed to assist the broader wildfire containment effort.
According to Precision Helicopters, the pilots were identified as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. Both were actively involved in the wildfire suppression when the helicopter went down. King possessed extensive experience flying in wildland fire support roles and had worked with firefighting crews in Alaska on numerous projects. Following the crash, the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection acknowledged his longstanding commitment to firefighting operations. Precision Helicopters also confirmed Cutter’s identity following notifications to their families.
Authorities revealed that prior to the crash, the helicopter was engaged in water bucket operations. Helicopter units have played a vital role in supporting firefighting efforts across Yosemite’s rugged areas where ground access is limited. Their tasks have included water drops, moving personnel, and transporting supplies. Meanwhile, hundreds of firefighters have worked tirelessly to establish containment lines around the Dome Fire. The crash highlights the dangers associated with wildfire aviation support, adding a tragic dimension to an already complex effort involving 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 with 15% containment, according to the latest incident updates from California. The wildfire ignited on September 15 north of Wawona Dome within Yosemite National Park. The exact cause remains undetermined. Firefighters have faced challenges such as thick timber, heavy ground fuels, and the park’s rugged topography. The landscape is marked by natural granite formations and areas already burned by previous fires, complicating containment efforts.
On September 21, the National Park Service reported that 581 personnel were assigned to combat the fire. Crews have continued to build and reinforce containment lines in remote park sections, while also addressing spot fires and areas with dense fallen vegetation. Aircraft have been providing water and logistical support to ground teams operating in the affected zones. Despite ongoing firefighting efforts, most of Yosemite remains open, although restrictions and closures persist near the active fire zone and in backcountry routes surrounding it.
Investigations Underway into the Helicopter Tragedy
National Transportation Safety Board alongside federal aviation authorities are probing the circumstances of the helicopter crash. No cause has yet been officially announced. Federal records identify the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 involved in firefighting operations near Mariposa. Investigators are expected to analyze the wreckage, flight records, and other evidence as part of the formal investigation. At this stage, authorities have not linked the crash to weather conditions, mechanical failures, or any other specific factors. The cause of the aircraft’s descent remains undetermined.
Fire restrictions and closures persist across parts of southern Yosemite as firefighting teams continue their work on the Dome Fire. Authorities have closed the Ostrander Lake Trail and surrounding areas south of it. Trails near Chilnualna Falls and other backcountry routes also remain affected. No evacuation orders or warnings have been issued in the latest park updates. Crews continue suppression efforts while investigators examine the helicopter accident that resulted in the deaths of King and Cutter amid the California wildfire response.