Two Pilots Killed in Yosemite Helicopter Crash Identified
The pilots were fighting the Dome Fire when their aircraft went down.
The two pilots killed in a helicopter crash while battling the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park have been identified as Greg King and Ryan Cutter. Both pilots were employed by Fly Precision, a private firefighting company.
Fly Precision confirmed the deaths in a statement, expressing profound sadness. "It is with unimaginable sadness and broken hearts that we share the loss of two beloved members of our team," the company said. "We are devastated by this loss and are struggling to find the words. We ask for privacy and compassion for their families and our team as we grieve this tremendous loss."
King, 56, was described by Fly Precision leaders as a "legend" in the Alaska flying community, known for his exceptional piloting skills and judgment. Cutter had shared a photo on Facebook in August of himself piloting an aircraft near a wildfire, a picture taken by King.
King and Cutter were utilizing the helicopter's water bucket to assist in suppressing the Dome Fire when the aircraft crashed. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the incident. The Dome Fire has spread to over 3,400 acres in the Sierra Nevada, with hundreds of personnel engaged in firefighting efforts. No evacuation orders or warnings have been issued for the area.
In 2025, three on-duty firefighters died in California, according to FEMA data. Firefighter fatalities in the line of duty are rare in the state.