NTSB Investigates Deadly Helicopter Firefighting Crash
The September 20, 2026, crash of a firefighting helicopter in California claimed the lives of two pilots.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Accidents
An Airbus AS332 L1 Super Puma helicopter crashed on September 20, 2026, while battling the Dome Fire in California, resulting in the deaths of pilots Ryan Cutter and Greg King. The aircraft was performing water drops in remote, high-elevation terrain when the fatal incident occurred.
Why it matters
The crash highlights the inherent dangers faced by aerial firefighting crews operating in extreme conditions to contain wildfires. Investigations into such accidents are critical for identifying mechanical or operational failures in high-altitude environments.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently conducting an investigation into the crash, which occurred at an elevation of 8,150 feet. The probe remains open as officials analyze the recovered wreckage and flight data.
The players
Ryan Cutter
He was a pilot killed during the aerial firefighting mission.
Greg King
He was a pilot who died alongside Ryan Cutter in the crash.
National Transportation Safety Board
This is the independent federal agency responsible for investigating civil transportation accidents in the United States.
The details
The helicopter had completed 25 water drops using an 800-gallon bucket before the cargo hook disconnected, causing the aircraft to strike trees. Four seconds after the water release, audio data indicates an increase in engine power and a decrease in rotor speed, followed by a left yaw.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: The helicopter crash occurred at 1:56 p.m.
October 24, 2026: A memorial service for Ryan Cutter is scheduled at 2:00 p.m.
Legal Context
The incident follows a pattern set by previous aerial accidents during the 2026 Dome Fire containment operations. It serves as a reminder of the risks associated with high-altitude fire suppression in remote, steep terrain.
The NTSB investigation process may involve temporary access restrictions to the remote crash site near Ostrander Lake. Residents in the region should remain aware of ongoing federal safety assessments related to the wreckage recovery efforts.
The takeaway
Aerial firefighting remains a high-risk profession that requires constant vigilance regarding equipment maintenance and flight patterns. Pilots and ground crews can mitigate future incidents by emphasizing rigorous pre-flight checks of external cargo hook systems.
What happens next
A memorial service for Ryan Cutter is scheduled to take place in Park City, Utah, on October 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Further reading
For more information on incidents within the state, visit the California Accidents section.
