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Environment & Climate

Two pilots die in Yosemite helicopter crash during wildfire response

A firefighting aircraft went down near Lake Ostrander, ABC News reports.

Updated Sep 22, 2026 · 22:33 UTC4 reports

The short version

  • A contracted Eurocopter AS32 crashed Sunday while dropping water on Yosemite's Dome Fire, killing two pilots on board.[ABC News]
  • Search teams recovered the remains of both crew members, whose names have not been publicly disclosed.[ABC News]
  • Federal aviation officials have launched an inquiry into the crash, the cause of which is currently undetermined.[ABC News]
  • The Dome Fire has consumed over 3,200 acres since September 15 and was 15% contained by midday Monday.[ABC News]

Key facts

  • A Eurocopter AS32 contracted by FlyPrecision crashed Sunday afternoon while performing water bucket drops on the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park.[ABC News]
  • Both pilots aboard the aircraft were killed, and their remains have been recovered southeast of Lake Ostrander.[ABC News]
  • The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are conducting an investigation into the crash.[ABC News]
  • The Dome Fire started on September 15, has burned over 3,200 acres, and was 15% contained as of midday Monday.[ABC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The cause of the helicopter crash remains unknown.[ABC News]
  • The identities and names of the two deceased pilots have not been publicly disclosed.[ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.