CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A firefighting helicopter went down in Yosemite National Park on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two pilots amid efforts to combat the Dome Fire. The Eurocopter AS32 crashed around 2:55 p.m. local time on September 20 in Mariposa County. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the incident occurred during firefighting activities. Both individuals on board lost their lives. The crash happened as ground crews and aircraft operated across challenging steep terrain within the California national park.
Precision Helicopters identified the deceased pilots as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. King was known for his extensive experience aiding wildland firefighting efforts, including assignments in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection confirmed he had worked alongside its crews on numerous fires. Following notification of the pilots’ families, the helicopter operator also identified Cutter. The two men operated the aircraft as part of the response to the active wildfire burning in Yosemite.
Officials involved in the response stated that the helicopter was performing water bucket work when it crashed near Ostrander Lake. Helicopters played a key role in supporting crews across the remote fire zone, including water drops, transporting personnel, and delivering supplies to areas with limited ground access. The accident added a tragic aviation loss to an emergency operation that had mobilized hundreds of firefighters and several aircraft.
Dome Fire expands to 3,420 acres
As of September 22, the Dome Fire had reached 3,420 acres and was 15% contained, according to California’s latest incident reports. The fire started on September 15 north of Wawona Dome in Yosemite National Park. Its origin remains under investigation. Firefighters are working to control the flames spreading through dense timber and heavy ground fuels. The fire’s previous footprints and natural granite formations have influenced the terrain surrounding suppression efforts.
On September 21, the National Park Service reported that 581 personnel had been assigned to the fire as crews reinforced containment lines. They faced difficult conditions across steep, rugged wilderness areas. Efforts also focused on managing spot fires and regions with heavy dead and downed vegetation. Aircraft continued supporting ground operations through water drops and logistical missions. Fire managers allocated resources around nearby communities while continuing suppression efforts across the main fire zone and its northern sectors.
Federal agencies probe helicopter crash
National Transportation Safety Board and other federal aviation authorities are conducting investigations into the helicopter accident. No cause has been officially announced. The FAA identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 and confirmed that the crash happened during firefighting operations near Mariposa. Investigators typically review the aircraft, operational records, and other evidence before forming conclusions. At this stage, authorities have not released any findings linking the incident to weather conditions, mechanical failure, or any other specific factor.
While the fire persists, Yosemite National Park remains open, although parts of the southern park are affected by fire-related closures. The Ostrander Lake Trail, along with areas south of it, and trails around Chilnualna Falls and nearby backcountry routes have been shut down. No evacuation orders or warnings have been issued in the latest park update. The Dome Fire continues to burn actively, with crews maintaining suppression efforts while federal investigators look into the fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of King and Cutter.
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