A helicopter helping to battle a large wildfire burning in a remote section of Yosemite National Park in California crashed the afternoon of Sept. 20, killing two people on board, federal aviation officials said.
The Federal Aviation Administration told USA TODAY a Eurocopter AS32 crashed just before 3 p.m. PT during firefighting operations near Mariposa. The unincorporated community is about 72 miles northwest of the city of Fresno.
According to the FAA, one passenger and one crew member on board were killed after the helicopter "crashed under unknown circumstances while on water bucket drops."
The Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park has burned more than 3,000 acres and was 15 % contained as of Sept. 21, CALFire reported online.
Dome Fire in Yosemite
National Park has burned more than 3,000 acres and was 15 % contained as of Sept. 21, 2026, CALFire reported online" id="91875313007">
"It is with unimaginable sadness and broken hearts that we share the loss of two beloved members of our team," firefighting contractor FlyPrecision wrote in a post on Instagram. "We are devastated by this loss and are struggling to find the words. Please keep their families, loved ones, and our entire team in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."
The identities of those on board the aircraft had not been released as of Sept. 21, pending notification of next of kin.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, with the NTSB leading the investigation.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2 killed in Yosemite wildfire helicopter crash during 'water bucket drops'
