# Wife Honors Pilot's Legacy

> Wife honors pilot killed in Yosemite Dome Fire crash with compassion and love.
- Title: Wife Honors Pilot's Legacy · ABC30 Fresno | Shortify
- Summary: Wife honors pilot killed in Yosemite Dome Fire crash with compassion and love. Ryan Cutter's wife Nina Pacchia focuses on his compassion and dedication as…
- Keywords: nina pacchia, ryan cutter, yosemite dome fire, helicopter crash, aerial firefighter, california wildfires, fresno, news, local, Wife, Honors, Pilot's
- Source: ABC30 Fresno — https://abc30.com/post/wife-honors-legacy-pilot-killed-yosemite-dome-fire-crash/19863736
- Published: 2026-09-24T06:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nina pacchia, ryan cutter, yosemite dome fire, helicopter crash, aerial firefighter, california wildfires, fresno, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Ryan Cutter's wife Nina Pacchia focuses on his compassion and dedication as she honors his legacy after his death in a helicopter crash during the Dome Fire.