Yosemite helicopter crash kills 2 firefighting pilots working the Dome Fire
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Two pilots had been killed when a firefighting helicopter crashed whereas battling a wildfire in Yosemite National Park.
The helicopter went down whereas conducting water bucket drops on the Dome Fire on Sunday, in keeping with The Associated Press (AP).
The pilots had been the one individuals aboard the plane. They labored for Precision Helicopters, an organization contracted to assist the firefighting operation, the AP reported.
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The deceased pilots had been later recognized as Ryan Cutter and Greg King, in keeping with social media posts from Precision Helicopters.
Cutter had been a helicopter pilot since 2011, together with a year-and-a-half with Precision Helicopters, in keeping with his LinkedIn profile. He was described as a “deeply cherished husband, son, good friend and godfather” on GoFundMe.
King had beforehand labored on wildland fires in Alaska and extensively alongside the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, in keeping with an announcement from the company.
The Dome Fire is proven burning in Yosemite National Park on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. (National Parks Service through AP)
The company stated King had shut ties to its wildland firefighting group, together with family members who at present work for the division.
“Greg was a devoted aviator and a dear friend to many people,” the company stated. “We are mourning each pilots who bravely supported firefighting efforts, and our hearts exit to their households.”
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Precision Helicopters additionally paid tribute to Cutter and King in a social media put up following the crash.
“These two males introduced honor to the mission. Their dedication and repair won’t ever be forgotten,” the corporate wrote.
Ryan Cutter, seen at left, was one in every of two pilots killed in a helicopter crash whereas battling the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park, pictured at proper. (GoFundMe; National Parks Service through AP)
The Super Puma helicopter was utilizing a water bucket to assist suppress the Dome Fire when it crashed near a lake, Benjamin Cossel, a spokesperson for the Federal Complex Incident Management Team overseeing the firefighting response, informed AP.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will examine the crash, with the NTSB main the investigation, in keeping with the FAA.
Hundreds of firefighters are persevering with to attempt to include the Dome Fire.
The crash occurred as a whole lot of firefighters continued working to include the Dome Fire, which began on Sept. 15 close to Wawona, California.
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About 580 personnel had been battling the wildfire, which had burned roughly 4.7 sq. miles and was about 15% contained, the AP reported.
The crash website was southeast of Ostrander Lake, about seven miles northeast of Wawona and roughly 9 miles south of Yosemite’s El Capitan, in keeping with the AP.
The helicopter crashed Sunday afternoon whereas conducting water bucket drops on the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park. (iStock)
A procession carrying the 2 deceased helicopter pilots was seen touring via Merced on Monday, Sept. 21, in keeping with Fox 26 in California.
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Writing on Facebook concerning the somber procession proven on video, one person stated, “Prayers for his or her households and family members. May they relaxation in peace.”
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Another stated, “They paid the last word value for all of us. May God bless their households.”
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
