2 Contract Workers Die in Yosemite Helicopter Crash as 3,200-Acre Dome Fire Burns
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 21
2 Contract Workers Die in Yosemite Helicopter Crash as 3,200-Acre Dome Fire Burns
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 21
Summary
Two people working under a U.S. Forest Service contract were killed Sunday when a Eurocopter Super Puma crashed near Mariposa, California, during wildfire suppression in Yosemite National Park.
The helicopter went down about 2:55 p.m. local time while performing bucket work—scooping water from a lake or river to drop on the Dome fire, officials said.
Precision, the Oregon-based private aviation company operating the aircraft, confirmed the loss and said no names would be released yet; only the two crew members were aboard.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating, with the safety board saying it will send investigators when fire conditions permit and issue a preliminary report within 30 days.
The Dome fire has burned more than 3,200 acres since Tuesday and is 15% contained, with more than 580 personnel assigned as dry Sierra Nevada conditions keep fuels highly flammable.