Story perspectives

FAA and NTSB Investigate Puma Helicopter Crash Near Yosemite

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 11:17 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Pilots Killed Helicopter

Pilots Greg King and Ryan Cutter died when their Puma helicopter crashed near Ostrander Lake, Yosemite.
The helicopter was dropping water on the Dome Fire that ignited on Sept. 15 near Wawona.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash under unknown circumstances.
The Dome Fire has burned 4.7 square miles and is 15% contained.
About 580 personnel are fighting the fire, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Summary

Forest Service Deploys Support

The Forest Service deployed stress-management teams to support firefighters after a Eurocopter crash.
FlightAware tracked the Eurocopter’s tail number over Yosemite on Sunday, confirming its impact site.
Yosemite National Park closed Ostrander Lake and Chilnualna Falls trails because of the Dome Fire.
Air quality in Yosemite Valley and Wawona is unhealthy for sensitive groups due to fire smoke.

History

Historical Context

On July 6 1994 the South Canyon Fire on Storm King Mountain in Colorado killed 14 wildland firefighters, prompting a federal interagency investigation that highlighted communication and safety failures. The tragedy spurred reforms in aerial-firefighting procedures and stress-management teams within the U.S. Forest Service. The 2024 Dome Fire helicopter crash in Yosemite, which claimed pilots Greg King and Ryan Cutter, revives calls for stricter aerial-operation protocols.

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Pilots Killed Helicopter

Pilots Greg King and Ryan Cutter died when their Puma helicopter crashed near Ostrander Lake, Yosemite.
The helicopter was dropping water on the Dome Fire that ignited on Sept. 15 near Wawona.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash under unknown circumstances.
The Dome Fire has burned 4.7 square miles and is 15% contained.
About 580 personnel are fighting the fire, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

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