📅 Date: September 21, 2026
📰 Source: CNN
📌 Topic: Yosemite National Park, Dome Fire and fatal firefighting helicopter crash
Two helicopter pilots were killed Sunday when their aircraft crashed while helping firefighters battle the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park, according to officials.
The helicopter went down shortly before 3 p.m. Pacific time on September 20 while the crew was conducting wildfire suppression operations. The aircraft was performing water-bucket drops over the fire when it crashed southeast of Ostrander Lake, in rugged terrain inside Yosemite. The two pilots were the only people aboard.
The victims were identified as Greg King and Ryan Cutter, both pilots working for the contractor Precision, also known as Fly Precision. King had extensive experience supporting wildfires in Alaska and was remembered by the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection as a dedicated aviator. Cutter’s employer also confirmed the deaths and paid tribute to both pilots.
The Dome Fire began September 15 near Wawona and had burned more than 3,200 acres by Monday. About 580–600 personnel were assigned to the firefighting operation, and the fire was approximately 15% contained. The steep, remote terrain has made suppression efforts particularly challenging.
The remains of the two pilots were recovered Monday. Officials said the remote crash site created significant challenges for recovery operations. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash, and the cause has not yet been determined. The NTSB said investigators would reach the site when fire conditions allow.
Yosemite National Park remains open, although some trails have been closed because of the wildfire. Fire officials warned that continued spotting and moderate fire growth could complicate efforts to contain the blaze. The cause of the Dome Fire itself is also under investigation.
The deaths mark a major loss for the wildland firefighting community, where aerial crews play an important role in reaching difficult terrain and dropping water on active fire lines. Officials and colleagues have expressed condolences to the pilots’ families and coworkers.
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📷 Photo note: The images above are representative visuals related to the Yosemite wildfire and firefighting operation. Verify individual image licensing and required credit before republication. The Dome Fire images published by news organizations may carry National Park Service/AP credits.
📅 Date: September 21, 2026
📰 Source: CNN
📌 Topic: Yosemite National Park, Dome Fire and fatal firefighting helicopter crash
