Utah Pilot Dies in Yosemite Helicopter Crash Battling Dome Fire

Contract helicopter pilot Ryan Cutter, a resident of Summit Park, Utah, died on September 20, 2026, when his aircraft crashed during efforts to contain the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park, one of two pilots killed in the incident[1][17][19]. The fatal crash occurred while Cutter and co-pilot Greg King were conducting water drops on the wildfire, which was ultimately caused by an abandoned campfire[3][19].

The deaths of these two pilots highlight the significant dangers faced by those combating wildfires, especially as large fires continue to challenge national parks and wilderness areas. The incident also draws attention to the human element in wildfire ignition, as an unattended campfire led to the blaze[3][19].

What the records show

Ryan Cutter, identified as a resident of Summit Park, Utah, was one of two pilots killed when their AS332 Super Puma helicopter crashed on September 20, 2026, near Ostrander Lake[14][17][19]. Both Cutter and the other pilot, Greg King, were employed by the contract aircraft company Precision, LLC, and were conducting water drops to suppress the Dome Fire[14][15][19]. The helicopter went down shortly before 2 p.m. on a Sunday[14][15]. Federal authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are investigating the crash, but no final cause has been released[8][19]. The Dome Fire, which the pilots were fighting, was caused by an abandoned campfire, according to CAL FIRE[3][19]. Fire restrictions were in effect below 8,000 feet in Yosemite National Park at the time the fire started[19].

The timeline

The Dome Fire was first reported on September 15, 2026, around 7 a.m. near the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, about a quarter-mile north of Chilnualna Falls[3][8][10][19]. On September 20, 2026, Cutter and King died when their helicopter crashed while battling the blaze[1][19]. By September 25, the fire had grown to 4,258 acres with 17% containment[4]. Authorities confirmed on September 30 that the fire was sparked by an abandoned campfire[3]. The fire reached 100% containment on October 17, after burning 6,788 acres[10][13][19]. The total cost to fight and contain the Dome Fire was $55 million[10].

What changed and for whom

The deaths of Ryan Cutter and Greg King brought increased attention to the dangers of aerial firefighting operations[1][6]. The National Park Service led the incident response for the Dome Fire, which required extensive resources, deploying more than 1,000 personnel and 17 helicopters at the peak of operations[10][13][19]. While Yosemite National Park remained open during the incident, certain areas like Glacier Point Road and various trails were closed temporarily for safety and firefighting operations[4][19]. These areas gradually reopened as the fire was contained[19]. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of human-caused fires, with two lives lost and extensive resources expended due to a single abandoned campfire[3][19].

What the subject has said publicly

Precision, LLC, the aviation company employing both pilots, issued a statement following the crash, saying, "We are devastated by this loss and are struggling to find the words"[6]. The company later stated in a social media post, "These two men brought honor to the mission. Their dedication and service will never be forgotten"[14][15]. A company representative also noted, "These two men deserve every single one of them, as do their families and friends"[16]. The State of Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection also released a statement regarding Greg King, highlighting his service in Alaska[18]. For Ryan Cutter, a procession involving fire district ladder engines and community members escorted his remains back to his Summit Park home, with a local official stating, "We want(ed) them to know that they aren't making that final trip home alone"[17].

What we could not confirm

The final cause of the helicopter crash that killed Ryan Cutter has not been released[8][19]. Details regarding Ryan Cutter's specific experience and background as a pilot beyond his employment with Precision are also not available in the provided records[14][15][16][17].