Two pilots were killed when a firefighting helicopter crashed while battling a wildfire in Yosemite National Park.The helicopter went down while conducting water bucket drops on the Dome Fire on Sunday, according to The Associated Press (AP).The pilots were the only people aboard the aircraft.They worked for Precision Helicopters, a company contracted to support the firefighting operation, the AP reported.'WE THOUGHT WE WOULD DIE': PASSENGERS THROWN INTO CEILING DURING TERRIFYING FLIGHTThe deceased pilots were later identified as Ryan Cutter and Greg King, according to social media posts from Precision Helicopters.Cutter had been a helicopter pilot since 2011, including a year-and-a-half with Precision Helicopters, according to his LinkedIn profile.
He was described as a "deeply loved husband, son, friend and godfather" on GoFundMe.King had previously worked on wildland fires in Alaska and extensively alongside the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection, according to a statement from the agency.The Dome Fire is shown burning in Yosemite National Park on Wednesday, Sept.16, 2026.
(National Parks Service via AP)The agency said King had close ties to its wildland firefighting community, including loved ones who currently work for the division."Greg was a dedicated aviator and a dear friend to many of us," the agency said."We are mourning both pilots who bravely supported firefighting efforts, and our hearts go out to their families."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERPrecision Helicopters also paid tribute to Cutter and King in a social media post following the crash."These two men brought honor to the mission.
Their dedication and service will never be forgotten," the company wrote.Ryan Cutter, seen at left, was one of two pilots killed in a helicopter crash while battling the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park, pictured at right.(GoFundMe; National Parks Service via AP)The Super Puma helicopter was using a water bucket to help suppress ...