NTSB report details bucket trouble before Yosemite firefighting helicopter crash killed 2

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

The helicopter involved was an Airbus AS332 L1 Super Puma used for dropping water on the Dome Fire, with an 800-gallon bucket on a 200-foot line.

Authorities say the crew completed more than 25 water drops before a problem with the bucket was reported. Mechanics tightened the air-pressure regulator and checked the system.

After returning to water drops, the helicopter performed its third drop following the repair, but then yawed left and dropped the bucket. The aircraft began descending rapidly, struck trees, and crashed.

Fire damaged most of the helicopter, but investigators recovered and downloaded the cockpit voice recorder. The pilots were identified as Ryan Cutter and Greg King, and the report states the cause of the crash has not been determined and the investigation is ongoing.