2 killed in Yosemite wildfire helicopter crash during ‘water bucket drops’

2 killed in Yosemite wildfire helicopter crash during 'water bucket drops'.

Key points

• Since the two Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019, some have become wary regarding air travel.
• The Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park has burned more than 3, 000 acres and was 15% contained as of Sept.
• The Federal Aviation Administration informed USA TODAY a Eurocopter AS32 crashed just before 3 p.m.
• A helicopter helping to battle a sizeable wildfire burning in a remote section of Yosemite National Park in California crashed the afternoon of Sept.
• The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, with the NTSB leading the investigation.

2 killed in Yosemite wildfire helicopter crash during 'water bucket drops'. Natalie Neysa Alund USA TODAY. Why private jets are less safe than commercial airlines.

Since the two Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019, some have become wary regarding air travel. But commercial airlines are particularly safe – it's small planes that have a spottier safety record. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY.

In practice, a helicopter helping to battle a sizeable wildfire burning in a remote section of Yosemite National Park in California crashed the afternoon of Sept. 20, killing two individuals on board, federal aviation office-holders noted.

Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration informed USA TODAY a Eurocopter AS32 crashed just before 3 p.m. PT during firefighting operations near Mariposa. The unincorporated community is regarding 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."

Meanwhile, the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park has burned more than 3, 000 acres and was 15% contained as of Sept. 21, CALFire documented online.

"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 tough time."

Notably, the identities of those on board the aircraft had not been published as of Sept. 21, pending notification of next of kin.

In practice, the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash, with the NTSB leading the investigation.

Employ USA TODAY's map to track the latest wildfires and smoke paths.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

For now, 2 killed in Yosemite wildfire helicopter crash during water bucket drops remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.