CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A firefighting helicopter went down in Yosemite National Park on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two pilots during efforts against 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 aircraft was involved in firefighting operations when the accident occurred. Both individuals onboard lost their lives. The incident took place amidst ground crews and aircraft managing steep terrain within the California national park.
Precision Helicopters identified the pilots as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. King brought extensive wildland firefighting support experience, including deployments in Alaska. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection confirmed he had collaborated with its crews on numerous fires. After notifying the pilots’ families, the helicopter operator also identified Cutter. The two men were operating the aircraft as part of the response to the ongoing wildfire in Yosemite.
Officials involved in the response indicated that the helicopter was performing water bucket operations when it crashed near Ostrander Lake. Helicopters played a crucial role in assisting crews in the remote fire zone by dropping water, transporting personnel, and delivering supplies to areas with limited ground access. The crash marked a tragic addition to an emergency effort already involving hundreds of firefighters and multiple aircraft.
Dome Fire Expands to 3,420 Acres
As of September 22, the Dome Fire had grown to 3,420 acres and was 15% contained, according to California’s latest incident data. The fire began on September 15 north of Wawona Dome within Yosemite National Park. Its origin remains under investigation. Firefighters continue efforts to control the flames that are spreading through dense timber and heavy ground fuels. Previous fire scars and natural granite formations have influenced the terrain surrounding suppression efforts.
On September 21, the National Park Service reported a crew of 581 personnel actively engaged in containment work. Firefighters faced difficult conditions across rugged, steep wilderness areas, managing spot fires and heavy dead and downed vegetation. Aircraft remained active in supporting ground operations through water drops and logistical support. Fire managers also positioned resources around nearby communities, maintaining suppression efforts across the main fire perimeter and its northern sections.
Investigation Underway into Helicopter Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board along with federal aviation officials are examining the circumstances surrounding the helicopter accident. No official cause has been released. The FAA identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 and stated the crash happened during firefighting operations near Mariposa. Investigators generally review the aircraft, operational records, and other evidence before reaching conclusions. No connections to weather, mechanical issues, or other specific factors have been publicly established at this stage.
Yosemite National Park remained accessible while fire-related closures affected southern sections. The Ostrander Lake Trail and areas south of it, as well as routes around Chilnualna Falls and the backcountry, were closed. No evacuation orders or warnings were issued in the latest park update. The Dome Fire remained active, with crews continuing suppression efforts while federal investigators scrutinize the helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of King and Cutter.
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