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2 pilots killed in helicopter crash while battling wildfire at popular national park

Investigators are working to determine what caused the deadly crash.

By Kieran Sullivan
Source FOX Weather

FILE: Timelapse shows smoke billowing from Washburn Fire in Yosemite National Park

A timelapse video shows smoke billowing from the Washburn Fire in Yosemite National Park on Monday, July 11. 

THE TAKEAWAY

  • Two pilots were killed when a helicopter crashed during Dome Fire operations in Yosemite National Park.
  • Investigators are working to determine what caused the deadly crash.
  • The wildfire has burned more than 3,400 acres and remains only 15% contained.

MARIPOSA, Calif. – Two pilots were killed when a helicopter crashed while supporting firefighting operations in Yosemite National Park, officials said.

On Sunday, a helicopter carrying pilots Greg King and Ryan Cutter crashed into the Dome Fire.

The Dome Fire was first reported on the morning of September 15, 2026. (National Park Service)

"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," Precision, an aviation and helicopter services company, said in a social media statement identifying the pilots.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Eurocopter AS32 helicopter crashed in Mariposa, California, around 2:55 p.m. local time on Sunday, Sept. 20, while battling the wildfire.

An investigation into the deadly crash led by the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) is currently ongoing.

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A welcome sign is seen as tourists visit Yosemite National Park during warm weather in California, United States on August 12, 2026.  (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The wildfire had burned 3,420 acres inside Yosemite National Park and was 15% contained as of Monday evening, according to CAL FIRE.

The fire is burning north of Wawona Dome after it was first reported on the morning of Sept. 15.

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Authorities are still investigating the cause of the wildfire and are asking the public for help.

Anyone who was on the Chilnualna Falls Trail between Sept. 9 and Sept. 15 and saw someone with a campfire is asked to contact the National Park Service through one of the following methods: