Two crew members were killed on Sunday when their helicopter crashed while battling the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park. The Eurocopter AS350 helicopter went down shortly before 3 p.m. Pacific Time in Mariposa County while on water bucket drops, according to preliminary reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Aerospace company Precision, which owned the helicopter, confirmed the deaths of its two crew members. In a statement, the company expressed profound sadness, stating, “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.” The company did not immediately release the names of the deceased, citing the need to notify family members.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Details regarding the events leading up to the incident have not yet been shared. The helicopter was reportedly assisting ground crews in steep, rugged terrain where the Dome Fire has been burning.
The Dome Fire ignited on September 15 and has consumed over 3,000 acres. As of Monday morning, the fire was reported to be 15% contained. The blaze is burning in an area with abundant fuels, driving its spread, particularly into sections previously burned by the 2017 Empire Fire. Fire managers have noted that the terrain and fuel conditions continue to present challenges for suppression efforts, with fire behavior described as conducive to spotting and burning through red fir stands.
Water-dropping helicopters have been crucial in supporting firefighting operations in Yosemite. The crashed Eurocopter AS350, a twin-engine utility helicopter manufactured in 1994, had been engaged in firefighting efforts since the fire’s inception. Flight tracking data indicated it was over the fire area on Sunday morning.
Weather conditions at the time of the crash included increasing cloud cover and light winds. The incident occurred in Mariposa County, which is part of California’s Central Valley region, east of Merced and northwest of Fresno.
The crash marks a significant loss for the aerial firefighting community. Yosemite National Park, a vast wilderness area in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is no stranger to aviation incidents, with several historical accidents recorded within or near its boundaries.
Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.