CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – Two pilots lost their lives when a firefighting helicopter collided with the terrain inside Yosemite National Park while engaged in efforts against the Dome Fire. The Eurocopter AS32 crashed in Mariposa County around 2:55 p.m. on Sept. 20. The aircraft had been actively assisting firefighting teams operating in rugged, challenging landscapes. Federal aviation officials confirmed the fatalities of both individuals onboard. The crash happened near the Ostrander Lake area, where aerial units supported the larger firefighting strategy in the region.
Identified by Precision Helicopters as Greg King and Ryan Cutter, both pilots were involved in firefighting missions when the accident occurred. Greg King brought extensive experience supporting wildland fire operations from the air, including numerous deployments in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection acknowledged his long-standing commitment to firefighting efforts following the crash. Precision Helicopters also verified Cutter’s identity after notifying his family members.
Authorities reported that the helicopter was engaged in water bucket operations prior to the crash. Aircraft like this have been crucial in supporting firefighters across Yosemite’s steep terrain, where ground access is limited. Their tasks have included water drops, moving personnel, and transporting supplies. In addition, hundreds of firefighters have been working to establish containment lines around the Dome Fire. The crash marks a tragic aviation event amid an already complex wildfire response that involves crews, aircraft, and remote area operations.
Dome Fire Continues to Spread in Yosemite
As of September 22, the Dome Fire had expanded to 3,420 acres and was reported to be 15% contained, based on current California incident updates. The wildfire ignited on September 15, north of Wawona Dome within Yosemite National Park, with its cause still under investigation. Firefighters have been navigating through timbered areas, dense ground fuels, and rugged terrain to manage the blaze. The landscape surrounding the fire includes natural granite formations and regions affected by previous fires, complicating containment efforts.
The National Park Service reported that 581 personnel were assigned to combat the fire as of September 21. Crews continued constructing and reinforcing containment lines across remote sections of the park. They also focused on suppressing spot fires and areas with thick fallen vegetation. Aircraft provided crucial water drops and logistical support to ground teams operating within the affected zones. Most of Yosemite remained open, though closures persisted near the active fire zones and backcountry routes surrounding the incident.
Federal Agencies Investigate the Deadly Helicopter Accident
The National Transportation Safety Board along with federal aviation authorities are conducting an investigation into the helicopter crash. No cause has been officially announced. Federal records list the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 involved in firefighting near Mariposa. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, flight data, and other evidence as part of their investigation. So far, authorities have not linked the crash to weather conditions, mechanical failure, or any other specific factor. An official determination regarding the cause of the crash has not yet been made.
Fire restrictions and closures remain in effect across parts of southern Yosemite as firefighting efforts continue on the Dome Fire. The Ostrander Lake Trail and areas south of it are closed, along with trails near Chilnualna Falls and other backcountry routes. No evacuation orders or warnings have been issued according to the latest park updates. Fire crews maintain their suppression efforts while investigators analyze the tragic helicopter incident that resulted in the deaths of King and Cutter during the wildfire response in California.