Overview
- A helicopter supporting suppression of the Dome Fire crashed shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday in Mariposa County, killing two contracted Fly Precision crew members, officials and the company said.
- The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have opened an investigation that will examine mechanical and human factors, and officials have not released the crew members’ identities pending family notification.
- The Dome Fire has burned roughly 3,000 acres and is moving into areas scarred by the 2017 Empire Fire, where reduced continuous fuels have slowed some flames but winds are carrying embers that create spot fires ahead of the main blaze.
- Early coverage conflicted on the aircraft details: FAA records identified a Eurocopter AS32 while other outlets reported a Type 1 Super Puma and named Price Valley Helitack as an operator, a discrepancy investigators will resolve.
- The crash highlights dangers faced by civilian aviation crews in wildfire work and could prompt closer review of contractor procedures and aerial tactics as firefighting efforts continue.