Yosemite helicopter crash kills two pilots
A Super Puma helicopter operated by Precision crashed while dropping water on the Dome Fire near Yosemite National Park, killing both pilots. The crash, investigated by the FAA and NTSB, highlights the dangers faced by wildland firefighting crews.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A Precision‑operated Super Puma helicopter crashed on Sunday afternoon while conducting a water drop over the Dome Fire near Yosemite National Park, killing both pilots on board. The aircraft went down southeast of Ostrander Lake, roughly nine miles south of the iconic El Capitan and seven miles northeast of Wawona, where the fire began on September 15.
The Incident
The helicopter was engaged in a water‑bucket drop mission when it lost control and crashed. The only occupants were the two pilots, one of whom was identified as Greg King, a former Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection aviator. King’s identity was released with the permission of his relatives, who are also employed by the agency. The second pilot’s name has not yet been made public.
Precision, the contract aircraft company that employed the pilots, issued a statement expressing profound sorrow: “It is with unimaginable sadness and broken hearts that we share the loss of two beloved members of our team. 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.”
Context: The Dome Fire
The Dome Fire, which ignited on September 15 near Wawona, has spread to about 4.7 square miles (12.3 square kilometres) and is roughly 15 % contained. Roughly 580 personnel are currently fighting the blaze, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. The fire is part of a series of large wildfires that have claimed lives in the United States this year, marking the highest toll since 2022 when 25 firefighters and aviation crew members died.
Investigation and Response
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have opened investigations into the crash. The Federal Complex Incident Management Team, overseeing the firefighting response, confirmed that the helicopter was using a water bucket to support suppression efforts at the time of the incident. Details about the exact circumstances remain pending.
Broader Implications for Wildland Firefighting
Wildland firefighting crews, including those that use helitack rappelling to access difficult terrain, face significant risks. The loss of two pilots underscores the perilous nature of aerial operations in rugged, fire‑affected landscapes. The incident follows a series of recent aviation and ground fatalities: two helicopter pilots died in Utah in August, a pilot crashed into a reservoir in Colorado, and other firefighters have suffered medical emergencies or were struck by falling trees.
What Happens Next?
As investigations proceed, authorities will examine flight data, maintenance records, and environmental conditions that may have contributed to the crash. The Dome Fire remains an active threat, and firefighting teams are continuing operations with additional resources. Families of the deceased pilots and Precision staff are being supported by the company and relevant agencies.
While the exact cause of the crash is still unknown, the incident has prompted discussions about safety protocols for aerial firefighting missions, especially in challenging terrain near national parks.
Key facts
- Two pilots died in a Precision Super Puma crash during a water drop over the Dome Fire.
- The pilots were the only occupants; one identified as Greg King.
- Crash site was southeast of Ostrander Lake, near El Capitan and Wawona.
- FAA and NTSB are investigating; details are pending.
- The Dome Fire covers 4.7 sq mi and is 15 % contained.
- This incident adds to a year of high fatality rates in U.S. wildland firefighting.
- Safety reviews for aerial operations may be intensified following the crash.
Why it matters
The crash highlights the inherent dangers of aerial firefighting and underscores the need for rigorous safety protocols in wildland fire operations.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the helicopter crash?
The exact cause has not yet been determined; investigations are underway.
Who were the pilots?
One pilot, Greg King, was identified; the second pilot’s name has not been released.
What is the Dome Fire?
A wildfire that began on September 15 near Wawona, California, covering 4.7 sq mi and 15 % contained.
Which agencies are investigating?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
How many people are fighting the Dome Fire?
Approximately 580 personnel are involved in the suppression effort.
