A tragic aircraft accident took place in the United States when a firefighting helicopter crashed during an operation to control a wildfire in Yosemite National Park.

Both pilots aboard the helicopter were killed in the accident. According to officials, the crash occurred on Sunday afternoon while the helicopter was engaged in an operation to drop water on the wildfire.

No one other than the two pilots was on board the helicopter at the time of the accident.

One Pilot Identified as Greg King

The deceased pilots were employees of an aviation company named Precision. One of the pilots has been identified as Greg King. King had previously worked for the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The identity of the second pilot has not yet been released.

FAA and NTSB to Investigate

The cause of the crash has not been disclosed immediately. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the accident.

At least 14 people have died in wildfires in the United States this year. This is the highest number since 2022.