Yosemite National Park – A Super Puma firefighting helicopter crashed Sunday afternoon southeast of Ostrander Lake, killing both pilots on board. The aircraft was conducting water drops on the Dome Fire, which has been burning since Sept. 15 near Wawona, California.
Incident details
The crash occurred while the helicopter was using a water bucket to suppress the blaze, according to Benjamin Cossel, a spokesperson for the Federal Complex Incident Management Team overseeing the firefighting response. The two pilots were the only occupants and were employed by Precision, a contract aircraft company that provides aerial support to wildland fire crews.
Precision posted a somber message on social media, describing the loss as “unimaginable sadness” and asking for privacy and compassion for the families and the rest of the team. The names of the pilots have not yet been released.
Firefighting effort
The Dome Fire has scorched roughly 4.7 square miles (12.3 square kilometers) and is about 15% contained. Approximately 580 firefighters are currently battling the blaze, which started near the historic Wawona area of the park. The fire’s proximity to iconic landmarks such as El Capitan underscores the challenges faced by crews working in rugged, inaccessible terrain.
Helitack rappelling teams, who descend from helicopters on ropes to reach difficult ground, were part of the operation. Their specialized skills are essential for containing wildfires in steep, forested areas where ground crews cannot easily access.
Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash to determine its cause. Details about the circumstances surrounding the accident have not been released at this time.
Context of wildfire fatalities
This tragedy adds to a grim tally of wildfire‑related deaths in the United States this year. Government reports indicate that at least 14 people have died while fighting wildfires in 2026, the highest number since 2022 when 25 fatalities were recorded. Earlier incidents this year include two helicopter pilot deaths in Utah, a helicopter crash in Colorado, and multiple ground‑crew injuries and fatalities across several states.
While the loss of these two dedicated pilots is a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those who protect our natural resources, the continued dedication of the firefighting community remains vital to safeguarding lives, property, and the treasured landscapes of places like Yosemite.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
