Helicopter fighting Yosemite National Park wildfire crashes, killing 2

Paul Rogers, The Mercury News on Sep 21, 2026

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A helicopter battling the Dome fire in Yosemite National Park has crashed, killing two people.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Eurocopter AS332L1 crashed at 2:55 p.m. Sunday, during firefighting operations while it made a water bucket drop. Two people were on board, a pilot and a passenger.

The FAA said in a statement that it and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the accident. The NTSB will lead the investigation.

Late Sunday, Precision, a helicopter company based in McMinnville, Oregon, about 30 miles southwest of Portland, announced a crash on its Instagram page.

“It is with unimaginable sadness and broken hearts that we share the loss of two beloved members of our team,” the company wrote.

“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. Please keep their families, loved ones, and our entire team in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

A helicopter with the tail number matching the one that the FAA said had crashed was last reported Sunday afternoon in Yosemite National Park flying east of Wawona Road and south of Glacier Point Road, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks aircraft.

The Dome fire began in a remote part of Yosemite National Park on Sept. 15. The fire has burned 3,047 acres and is 15% contained.

Firefighters have been using helicopters to deliver supplies and firefighters, and to drop water on the fire, which is burning in steep, roadless forests with granite outcroppings about two miles south of Glacier Point Road. Yosemite National Park remains open.

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