Two Firefighters Killed in Yosemite Helicopter Crash During Dome Fire Suppression

Key points

• Greg King and Ryan Cutter, both employed by Fly Precision, were killed in the crash of a Eurocopter AS32 helicopter.
• The crash occurred at approximately 2:55 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2026, southeast of Ostrander Lake in Yosemite.
• The helicopter was actively engaged in firefighting operations for the Dome Fire, utilizing a water bucket at the time of the crash.
• The Dome Fire has burned at least 3,047 acres as of Sunday evening, with the acreage growth slowing recently.
• Cal Fire noted that the fire is reaching areas previously burned by the 2017 Empire Fire, reducing fire behavior to creeping and smoldering, but winds are causing spot fires to the north.

Background

This incident follows a series of recent helicopter crashes in California and elsewhere, including the NBC4 helicopter crash in Chatsworth in September 2026, which resulted in three deaths. The Dome Fire itself has been a significant wildfire in Yosemite, with earlier reports indicating it was about 15% contained as of September 22, 2026. The crash adds to the ongoing challenges and risks faced by firefighters in California's wildfire season.

How outlets are covering it

KCRA and CNN both report the deaths of two Fly Precision crew members, Greg King and Ryan Cutter, in the crash of a Eurocopter AS32 helicopter during Dome Fire operations. KCRA provides specific details on the time of the crash (2:55 p.m. Sunday) and the location (southeast of Ostrander Lake), as well as the fire's current acreage (3,047 acres) and behavior. CNN's report, while largely obscured by technical code in the provided text, confirms the core facts of the crash and the identities of the victims. Both outlets emphasize the tragic loss of life and the ongoing firefighting efforts. There is no significant disagreement between the sources on the key facts, but KCRA offers more granular details on the fire's progression and the specific circumstances of the crash.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the extreme dangers faced by firefighters and aviation crews during large-scale wildfire suppression efforts, particularly in challenging terrain like Yosemite. The loss of two experienced professionals underscores the human cost of these operations. Additionally, the ongoing Dome Fire, despite slowing growth, continues to pose risks due to wind-driven spot fires, requiring sustained and hazardous aerial and ground response. This incident may also prompt further scrutiny of safety protocols and equipment used in firefighting aviation.

What to watch

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to investigate the cause of the crash. Firefighters will continue to combat the Dome Fire, focusing on containing spot fires to the north and managing the smoldering areas. Fly Precision and local authorities will likely hold memorial services for Greg King and Ryan Cutter. The public and media will monitor the fire's progression and the investigation's findings.