From the WTF Watch Desk: A contract helicopter crashed during water-bucket operations on Yosemite's Dome Fire, killing both pilots and prompting FAA and NTSB investigations.
Why this deserves the fire service’s attention
Low-level wildfire aviation near terrain with an external load provides little margin when equipment, weather or flight conditions deteriorate.
What remains open
The prepared record supports the facts and relevance stated above. Firefighter WTF is not manufacturing a tactical finding where the source material does not establish one; updates will follow verified official information.
This report reflects information available on September 21, 2026. Developing items will be updated when official information changes.