Two pilots tragically lost their lives when a firefighting helicopter crashed in Yosemite National Park. The helicopter was conducting water bucket drops on the Dome Fire when it went down, as reported by The Associated Press.
The pilots, identified as Ryan Cutter and Greg King, were the sole occupants of the aircraft. They worked for Precision Helicopters, a company enlisted to aid in the firefighting efforts. The origins of Cutter’s helicopter pilot career trace back to 2011, with recent experience at Precision Helicopters. A GoFundMe page remembers him as a “deeply loved husband, son, friend, and godfather.”
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Greg King had a history of battling wildfires in Alaska and maintained a strong connection with the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection. The agency remarked on his dedication, mourning both pilots who showed bravery in supporting the firefighting mission.
The Dome Fire burning in Yosemite National Park, captured in a photo on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. (National Parks Service via AP)
Precision Helicopters honored them in a social media tribute, stating, “These two men brought honor to the mission. Their dedication and service will never be forgotten.”
The Super Puma helicopter was engaged in water bucket operations when it crashed near a lake, as noted by Benjamin Cossel from the Federal Complex Incident Management Team. The crash site lay southeast of Ostrander Lake, approximately seven miles northeast of Wawona and nine miles south of Yosemite’s El Capitan.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are set to investigate, with the NTSB taking lead. About 580 personnel continued efforts to contain the Dome Fire, which has burned around 4.7 square miles and was 15% contained, according to AP reports.
A video briefly covered a solemn procession through Merced honoring the two pilots. Social media comments reflected deep condolences, with one user stating, “Prayers for their families and loved ones. May they rest in peace.”