FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection announces the tragic loss of two pilots following an aviation accident on Sunday, September 20, 2026, on the Dome Fire in Yosemite, CA. A contract helicopter supporting wildland firefighting operations crashed, resulting in the deaths of both individuals on board.
Among those who lost their lives was Greg King, a pilot for Precision Helicopters, a contract helicopter company. King was a cherished member of our wildland fire family, having served on wildland fires in Alaska and extensively alongside the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection. King’s ties to our agency run deep, with close loved ones currently employed with our Division. The identity of the second pilot is being withheld at this time out of respect for family notifications.
This is a devastating loss for our agency and the entire wildland firefighting community. Greg was a dedicated aviator and a dear friend to many of us. We are mourning both pilots who bravely supported firefighting efforts, and our hearts go out to their families. We are standing alongside our staff and Greg’s loved ones as we grieve this profound tragedy together.
The fire and the incident are being managed by California Incident Management Team 3. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). As additional verified information becomes available, further updates will be provided.
During this painful time, we ask the media and the public to grant compassion and privacy to the families of both pilots.
Please keep these families, their friends, and our entire wildland fire community in your thoughts and prayers during this extraordinarily difficult time.
DFFP Agency Contact:
Emery Johnson, Public Information Coordinator
(907)795-9382 emery.johnson@alaska.gov
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Categories: AK Fire Info
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 