Two pilots killed in helicopter crash while fighting Yosemite wildfire

Tuesday 22 September 2026 - 09:42

By: Azzat Manal

Two pilots killed in helicopter crash while fighting Yosemite wildfire

Two pilots were killed Sunday after a helicopter involved in wildfire suppression operations crashed inside Yosemite National Park in California, authorities said.

The aircraft was carrying only the two pilots, who were working for a private contractor providing aerial firefighting services. According to Benjamin Cossel, a spokesperson for the federal incident management team overseeing the emergency response, the helicopter had been operating as part of efforts to contain the wildfire.

The aircraft, identified as a Super Puma, had been deployed to drop water on the fire using a suspended bucket when it went down southeast of Ostrander Lake. The crash occurred in a rugged area of the national park, where aerial operations are often used to support crews working on the ground.

No further casualties were reported in connection with the crash. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the helicopter to go down, and the circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to lead the investigation. Their work will focus on reconstructing the final moments of the flight and determining whether mechanical, operational, environmental or other factors contributed to the crash.

Helicopters are an important part of wildfire response in California, particularly in mountainous and difficult-to-access areas. Aircraft can deliver large quantities of water or fire retardant while helping ground crews contain rapidly spreading flames. However, firefighting flights can be particularly challenging because of smoke, strong winds, uneven terrain and rapidly changing fire conditions.

The incident highlights the risks faced by aviation crews involved in wildfire suppression, as firefighters and pilots continue to play a crucial role in protecting forests, communities and infrastructure during California's wildfire season.