Two Pilots Killed in Yosemite Wildfire Helicopter Crash
The helicopter crashed while conducting water drops on the Dome Fire, prompting investigations by the FAA and NTSB.
Two pilots have died after a firefighting helicopter crashed while battling the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park, according to The Associated Press.
The aircraft went down on Sunday during water bucket drops aimed at suppressing the wildfire. The pilots, identified by Precision Helicopters as Ryan Cutter and Greg King, were the sole occupants of the helicopter.
Cutter had been a pilot since 2011 and had worked with Precision Helicopters for over a year, described by colleagues as a "deeply loved husband, son, friend and godfather." King had extensive experience fighting wildland fires, including in Alaska, where he worked closely with the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection. The agency remembered King as "a dedicated aviator and a dear friend to many of us."
Precision Helicopters, a company contracted to support firefighting efforts, stated, "These two men brought honor to the mission. Their dedication and service will never be forgotten."
The Super Puma helicopter crashed near a lake while assisting in efforts to contain the Dome Fire, which began on September 15 near Wawona, California. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident, with the NTSB leading the inquiry.
As of the report, approximately 580 personnel were engaged in fighting the Dome Fire, which had consumed about 4.7 square miles and was around 15% contained. The crash site was located southeast of Ostrander Lake, approximately seven miles northeast of Wawona and nine miles south of El Capitan.
A procession honoring the fallen pilots was observed in Merced, California, on Monday, September 21. Social media users expressed condolences for the pilots' families, noting their sacrifice in supporting firefighting operations.