Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Two Pilots Killed in Helicopter Crash Fighting Yosemite Wildfire
A helicopter was helping firefighters battle a wildfire in Yosemite National Park.
It was carrying water to drop on the Dome Fire.
The helicopter crashed on Sunday afternoon.
Two pilots were aboard, and both died.
One pilot was named Greg King.
Officials have not yet released the other pilot’s name.
Investigators are working to learn what caused the crash.
The wildfire was 15 percent contained, and some trails and backcountry areas were closed.
A contract helicopter crashed while supporting firefighting operations on Yosemite National Park’s Dome Fire.
The crash occurred Sunday at about 2:55 p.m. local time in Mariposa County, California.
The helicopter was carrying out a water-bucket operation southeast of Lake Ostrander when it crashed.
Pilot Greg King was identified as one of the victims; the second pilot’s identity remains withheld.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
- Who
- Two contract-helicopter pilots, including Greg King, were killed.
- What
- A helicopter crashed during a water-bucket firefighting operation.
- When
- Sunday at about 2:55 p.m. local time.
- Where
- Southeast of Lake Ostrander in Mariposa County, within Yosemite National Park, California.
- Why
- The cause of the crash has not been established; the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
- Incident
- Contract helicopter crash during Dome Fire firefighting operations
- Casualties
- Two pilots killed
- Time
- About 2:55 p.m. local time on Sunday
- Location
- Southeast of Lake Ostrander, Yosemite National Park
- Fire status
- The Dome Fire was 15 percent contained
- Identified victim
- Greg King
- Investigation
- Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board