NTSB issues preliminary report on Yosemite firefighting helicopter crash that killed 2

The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report on a firefighting helicopter crash in Yosemite National Park that occurred on September 20 and killed both pilots.

The aircraft involved is an Airbus AS332 L1 Super Puma used for dropping water on the Dome Fire, operating with an 800-gallon water bucket on a 200-foot line. The crew completed more than 25 water drops before the issue prompted maintenance attention.

According to the preliminary findings, mechanics tightened the water-bucket air-pressure regulator and checked the system after the pilots reported a problem with the bucket. The helicopter then resumed water drops.

After its third post-maintenance drop, the helicopter yawed left, dropped the bucket, and began descending rapidly, hitting trees and crashing. Investigators recovered and downloaded the cockpit voice recorder.

The pilots were identified as Ryan Cutter and Greg King. The report does not determine the cause of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.