Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Two Pilots in Yosemite Firefighting Efforts

A helicopter crash in Yosemite National Park has tragically claimed the lives of two pilots while they were engaged in firefighting efforts for the Dome Fire. The incident occurred on September 22, prompting investigations by the FAA and NTSB. One pilot has been identified as Greg King, while the second's identity is pending notification of family. The Dome Fire, which started on September 15, is currently 15% contained, leading to some closures in the park. This incident follows another aviation tragedy earlier this month at Miami International Airport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 22, 2026, 13:13 IST

Helicopter Crash During Firefighting Operations

Photo: IANS

Sacramento, September 22: A tragic incident occurred when a contract helicopter crashed while assisting in firefighting efforts for the Dome Fire, a wildfire raging in Yosemite National Park, California. This unfortunate event resulted in the deaths of two pilots, as reported by the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection on Monday (local US time).

The crash took place around 2:55 p.m. local time (2155 GMT) on Sunday in Mariposa County, with both pilots on board, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.

Authorities from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

At the time of the accident, the helicopter was engaged in a water bucket operation, actively dropping water on the fire when it went down southeast of Lake Ostrander in Yosemite, as stated by a spokesperson for the California Complex Incident Management Team 3, which is managing the response to the Dome Fire.

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection has identified one of the deceased pilots as Greg King, who was remembered as a "dedicated aviator and a dear friend to many." The name of the second pilot has not been released pending notification of their family.

As the investigation continues, the National Park Service reported that the Dome Fire is currently 15 percent contained. The fire, which was first detected on September 15 near Chilnualna Falls in the Wawona area, has led to some trail and backcountry closures, although Yosemite National Park remains open to visitors.

In a separate incident earlier this month, five individuals lost their lives and five others sustained injuries when an Amazon cargo plane overran a runway and crashed at Miami International Airport in Florida. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava confirmed that five people were hospitalized due to injuries.

Footage from the scene showed thick smoke rising from the aircraft. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported that over 60 units and approximately 200 firefighters responded to the emergency. The Boeing 767-300 cargo plane had taken off from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and an investigation into the crash is underway.