2 pilots killed in helicopter crash while battling wildfire at popular national park
Two pilots were killed when a helicopter crashed while supporting firefighting operations on Yosemite National Park’s Dome Fire. The wildfire has burned over 3,400 acres and is only 15% contained.
THE TAKEAWAY
MARIPOSA, Calif. – Two pilots were killed when a helicopter crashed while supporting firefighting operations in Yosemite National Park, officials said.
On Sunday, a helicopter carrying pilots Greg King and Ryan Cutter crashed into the Dome Fire.
"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," Precision, an aviation and helicopter services company, said in a social media statement identifying the pilots.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Eurocopter AS32 helicopter crashed in Mariposa, California, around 2:55 p.m. local time on Sunday, Sept. 20, while battling the wildfire.
An investigation into the deadly crash led by the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) is currently ongoing.
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The wildfire had burned 3,420 acres inside Yosemite National Park and was 15% contained as of Monday evening, according to CAL FIRE.
The fire is burning north of Wawona Dome after it was first reported on the morning of Sept. 15.
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Authorities are still investigating the cause of the wildfire and are asking the public for help.
Anyone who was on the Chilnualna Falls Trail between Sept. 9 and Sept. 15 and saw someone with a campfire is asked to contact the National Park Service through one of the following methods:
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