CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – A deadly helicopter accident occurred within Yosemite National Park during firefighting efforts against the Dome Fire, claiming the lives of two pilots. The Eurocopter AS32 crashed in Mariposa County around 2:55 p.m. on September 20 while supporting wildfire suppression teams amid challenging terrain. Authorities confirmed that both individuals aboard the aircraft lost their lives. The crash took place near Ostrander Lake as aerial firefighting resources supported the larger response to the wildfire.
Precision Helicopters identified the deceased as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. Both men were actively engaged in wildfire suppression when the helicopter went down. King brought extensive experience supporting wildland fire operations and had previously collaborated with firefighting crews in Alaska on numerous missions. The Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection acknowledged his longstanding involvement with their efforts following the incident. Precision Helicopters also verified Cutter’s identity after notifying his family members.
According to authorities, the helicopter was engaged in water bucket operations prior to the crash. Aircraft like these are crucial for assisting firefighters in Yosemite’s rugged areas where ground access is limited. Their tasks include dropping water, moving personnel, and transporting supplies. In addition, hundreds of firefighters have been working to establish containment lines around the Dome Fire. The crash has added a tragic aviation incident to an already complex wildfire response involving crews, aircraft, and remote operations.
Dome Fire Continues to Grow in Yosemite
As of September 22, the Dome Fire has expanded to 3,420 acres and remains 15% contained, according to current California incident data. The wildfire originated on September 15 north of Wawona Dome within Yosemite National Park, with its cause still undetermined. Firefighters face tough terrain, including dense timber, heavy ground fuels, and natural granite formations, complicating suppression efforts. Areas previously affected by wildfires and rugged landscapes continue to surround the active perimeter as crews work to contain the blaze.
The National Park Service reported that 581 personnel were assigned to the incident as of September 21. Firefighters are actively constructing and fortifying containment lines in remote park sections, while managing spot fires and dense fallen vegetation. Aircraft continue to provide water drops and logistical support to ground teams operating in the affected regions. While most of Yosemite remains open, closures are in effect near the active fire zone and for backcountry routes surrounding the area.
Investigation Into the Deadly Helicopter Incident Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board along with federal aviation authorities are probing the helicopter crash. No cause has been publicly announced. Federal records list the aircraft as a Eurocopter AS32 involved in firefighting operations near Mariposa. Investigators are expected to analyze the wreckage, flight data, and other evidence as part of a comprehensive inquiry. To date, no links have been established between the crash and weather conditions, mechanical failure, or other specific factors. An official determination regarding the cause remains pending.
Despite ongoing firefighting efforts, fire restrictions and closures persist across parts of southern Yosemite. Authorities shut down the Ostrander Lake Trail and nearby areas south of it. Trails around Chilnualna Falls and other backcountry routes also remain closed. The latest park updates did not include evacuation orders or warnings. Fire suppression work continues as investigators look into the tragic helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of King and Cutter during the California wildfire response.