Two Pilots Killed in Helicopter Crash Fighting Yosemite Park Wildfire

Two pilots lost their lives when a firefighting helicopter crashed while tackling a wildfire in Yosemite National Park. The helicopter was performing water bucket drops on the Dome Fire on Sunday. According to The Associated Press, the pilots were the only ones on board the aircraft, which was part of a contracted operation by Precision Helicopters.

The pilots, identified as Ryan Cutter and Greg King, were remembered in tributes by Precision Helicopters. Cutter had been flying helicopters since 2011 and worked for Precision Helicopters for over a year. A GoFundMe page described him as a ‘deeply loved husband, son, friend and godfather.’ King had experience combating wildland fires in Alaska and had strong connections with the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.

The agency shared that King was a dedicated aviator and cherished by many in the firefighting community. They expressed their sorrow over the loss of both aviators who valiantly contributed to wildfire suppression efforts.

The helicopter, a Super Puma model, crashed near a lake while engaged in fire control activities. Benjamin Cossel, from the Federal Complex Incident Management Team, confirmed this information. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the crash.

Efforts continue to contain the Dome Fire, involving approximately 580 firefighters. The fire started on September 15 near Wawona, California, and has burned about 4.7 square miles. As of the latest updates, it was roughly 15% contained.

The incident occurred southeast of Ostrander Lake, around seven miles northeast of Wawona. A procession honoring the fallen pilots took place in Merced on Monday, witnessed by many offering condolences and prayers for their families.