Wife honors pilot's legacy

The widow of fire pilot Ryan Cutter remembers his compassion, dedication and love of life as family and friends honor his legacy.

Pilot died in dome fire crash

Cutter and Greg King were on fire suppression operations when their helicopter crashed sunday in mariposa. The two pilots died in the crash.

Wife focuses on husband's character

Pacchia described her husband as loving and adventurous who brought a sense of calm. "You know, he had this matter of fact attitude. He had a calming energy about him."

“You know, he had this matter of fact attitude. He had a calming energy about him.”

Pilot's career and dedication

The 46-year-old pilot began his career in the air medical field before becoming an aerial firefighter in 2017. Pacchia says he had more than 6,000 hours of flight time.

Wife recalls everyday moments

Pacchia said they had a bedtime routine where she would go to bed before him and he would say goodnight. "We just had these very ordinary little things. I think that's what I'm going to miss the most."

“We just had these very ordinary little things. I think that's what I'm going to miss the most.”

Family support and next steps

Pacchia said cutter's death still feels unreal as she continues to cope. A celebration of life is planned for next month in utah. The ntsb and faa continue to investigate the crash.