Tragedy During Firefighting Operations
Two pilots were killed on Sunday afternoon when their helicopter crashed while engaged in water-dropping operations on the Dome Fire within Yosemite National Park, according to federal officials. The incident occurred as the crew was actively working to contain the blaze, which has been burning in rugged wilderness terrain northeast of Wawona since September 15.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Eurocopter AS32 helicopter went down southeast of Lake Ostrander. Benjamin Cossel, a spokesperson for the California Complex Incident Management Team 3, reported that the remains of the pilots were recovered on Monday afternoon. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the crash.
Contractor and Crew Context
The aircraft was owned by the private contractor Precision, which confirmed the loss in a social media statement, noting the “unimaginable sadness” felt by the team. The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection identified one of the deceased as Greg King, a “dedicated aviator” who had previously served on wildland fires in Alaska. The identity of the second pilot is being withheld until next-of-kin notifications are completed.
According to the PBS NewsHour, the pilots were part of a specialized helitack rappelling crew trained to access inaccessible terrain by descending from helicopters. This expertise is critical in Yosemite, where steep, mountainous landscapes often prevent ground crews from reaching fire lines directly.
Fire Status and Safety Stakes
As of Monday, the Dome Fire had consumed over 3,200 acres and reached 15% containment. Approximately 600 ground and air personnel are currently assigned to the incident. While the National Park Service has kept the park open, several trails remain closed to ensure public safety and allow for ongoing suppression efforts. The National Park Service noted that fire behavior remains moderate, though “spotting”—where embers jump ahead of the main fire front—continues to challenge containment strategies.
This tragedy marks a somber moment for the wildland firefighting community. The loss is part of a difficult year for U.S. wildfire response, with at least 14 fatalities recorded among firefighting personnel nationwide throughout 2026, a figure approaching the 25 deaths documented in 2022.