Overview
- A Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma operated by contractor Precision crashed while conducting water-bucket drops on the Dome Fire, and two crewmembers were killed on Sunday.
- Authorities recovered the remains and confirmed both occupants were Precision employees, with one pilot publicly identified as Greg King and the second name withheld pending family notification.
- The NTSB will lead the probe with FAA participation and investigators will examine the aircraft, operations, weather, visibility and maintenance records before determining a probable cause.
- The Dome Fire has burned roughly 3,000 acres and was about 15% contained as crews work in steep backcountry where helicopters are essential for drops, transport and helitack insertions.
- The crash has prompted grief and operational adjustments across federal, state and contractor teams and adds to a broader pattern of heightened aviation and firefighter risk this wildfire season.