Two helicopter pilots have been killed after their aircraft crashed while dropping water on a raging wildfire.
Greg King, 56, and Ryan Cutter died when their Super Puma helicopter went down as they battled the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park, California.
The pair, who worked for Precision Helicopters, were the only people on board when the aircraft crashed at around 2:55pm on Sunday (20 Sep).
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They had been carrying out water bucket drops to support firefighters tackling the huge blaze when tragedy struck.
The helicopter came down southeast of Ostrander Lake, around nine miles south of Yosemite’s famous El Capitan, as reported by Need To Know.
Both pilots were killed and their remains were recovered the following day.
Precision Helicopters said: “We are struggling to find the words to express the heartbreak we feel over the loss of our two pilots, Greg King and Ryan Cutter.
“Both were exceptional aviators, dedicated professionals, and valued members of our team.
“Their skill, courage, and commitment to the work they did made an impact on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside them.
“We ask for privacy and compassion for their families and our team as we grieve this tremendous loss.”
Greg was an experienced wildfire pilot who had spent years supporting firefighters battling blazes from the air.
Originally from New Zealand, he later made his home in Alaska and had close ties to the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection.
The agency described him as a “cherished member” of its wildland firefighting family.
Andy Jones, its chief of aviation, said: “Greg was one of the best of the best in the community for his piloting skills, his judgment, and his personality.
“He’s a legend in Alaska.”
The agency described the deaths as a “devastating loss” for the wider firefighting community.
It added: “We are mourning both pilots who bravely supported firefighting efforts, and our hearts go out to their families.”
The Dome Fire broke out near Wawona on 15 September and has since burned through thousands of acres.
Hundreds of personnel have been battling the blaze across steep and difficult wilderness terrain.
The cause of the helicopter crash has not yet been established.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
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