Yosemite Dome Fire causes helicopter crash and road closures

Two helicopter crew members, Greg King and Ryan Cutter of aerospace contractor Fly Precision, were killed on September 20 when their aircraft crashed in Mariposa County. The crash occurred while the crew was supporting aerial firefighting operations against the Dome Fire, which erupted near the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead on September 15.

The Dome Fire has scorched more than 4,000 acres and is approximately 15 percent contained. The blaze has caused significant disruptions in Yosemite National Park, including the closure of the 16-mile Glacier Point Road due to smoke and visibility issues. Several trails, including Chilnualna Falls, have also been shut down, though the Four Mile and Panorama trails remain open.

Ryan Cutter, a 46-year-old pilot with over 6,000 flight hours, had been an aerial firefighter since 2017. His wife, Nina Pacchia, described him as a passionate and dedicated individual who was committed to protecting communities from wildfires.