Multiple Dead After Helicopter Crashes in Popular National Park

Two people were killed after a firefighting helicopter crashed while battling a growing wildfire inside Yosemite National Park, federal officials said.

The Eurocopter AS332 went down shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, while conducting water-bucket drops on the Dome Fire in Mariposa County, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Both people aboard the helicopter were killed. Their identities had not been publicly released as of Monday pending notification of their families. The remains of the two victims have since been recovered, officials told ABC News.

The aircraft was operated by FlyPrecision, a private aviation contractor supporting federal firefighting operations.

“It is with unimaginable sadness and broken hearts that we share the loss of two beloved members of our team,” FlyPrecision said in a statement posted to social media.

The company said its team was devastated by the deaths and asked people to keep the victims’ families and loved ones in their thoughts.

The helicopter crew had been contracted to the U.S. Forest Service’s Price Valley Rappel Crew in Idaho and was supporting suppression efforts on the Dome Fire when the crash occurred.

Exactly what caused the helicopter to go down has not been determined.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, with the FAA also participating. The Forest Service is separately reviewing the incident. Federal aviation investigations typically begin with an examination of the wreckage, aircraft records, weather conditions and available flight data before investigators issue a preliminary report.

The deadly crash came as hundreds of firefighters continued battling the Dome Fire, which started Sept. 15 north of Wawona Dome.

By Monday morning, the blaze had grown to 3,222 acres and was 15% contained, according to Yosemite National Park. A total of 581 personnel were assigned to the fire.

Fire officials said the blaze continued spreading into the footprint of the 2017 Empire Fire, where large amounts of dead and fallen vegetation could fuel additional fire activity. Spot fires remained one of the biggest challenges for crews working to contain the flames.

The operation has relied heavily on aircraft because firefighters are working in steep and rugged terrain. Before the crash, multiple helicopters had been supporting crews by dropping water, transporting firefighters and delivering equipment and supplies.

Despite the fire, Yosemite National Park remains open and operating normally in most areas.

Several trails and sections of the park have been closed, including the Chilnualna Falls Trail and areas south of the Ostrander Lake Trail, while firefighters continue suppression operations.

The cause of the Dome Fire itself also remains under investigation.

Officials have not announced when the names of the two helicopter crew members will be released. The NTSB is expected to provide additional information as its investigation into the fatal crash progresses.