In a recent incident in western France, a firefighting helicopter carrying out routine fire-extinguishing missions lost control and crashed into a lake while collecting water, fortunately leaving all personnel unharmed. The dramatic scene was captured by eyewitnesses.
The harrowing event took place shortly after 7 p.m. local time on Sunday, August 24th, in Rosporden, Finistere province, Brittany region of western France.
Video footage from the scene shows the Morane 29 helicopter preparing to scoop water from the lake, but the tail of the helicopter accidentally dipped into the water as it approached the surface. Moments later, the helicopter began wildly spiraling in the air with debris scattering onto the lake’s surface. Within seconds, the helicopter disintegrated as it crashed into the water, creating a massive splash.
The video also captures the terrified screams of onlookers. Fortunately, both the pilot and a firefighter on board were uninjured and were able to exit the helicopter on their own, safely returning to the shore with the help of bystanders.
Eyewitnesses described the crash as sudden and terrifying. Richard, one witness, recounted how the tail of the aircraft struck the water surface, causing the entire helicopter to flip over. Alarms blared, and the noise was extremely shocking. The pilot attempted to stabilize the aircraft and climbed about three to four meters, but it then spun like a top and plummeted again.
The entire process lasted less than ten seconds, with the helicopter descending too low and too fast. David, another witness, mentioned, “I thought the plane would explode and completely disintegrate. Instead, it spun around and then lost control, spinning wildly.”
Following the accident, the two crew members on board the firefighting helicopter and one witness were promptly taken to the hospital for observation. Although they did not sustain physical injuries, they were severely shaken by the experience.
Local authorities reported that a few hours before the incident, the Morane 29 helicopter was carrying out aerial firefighting tasks. The aircraft has been heavily utilized this summer, having participated in over 33 wildfire intervention actions and 154 aerial firefighting missions, assisting in extinguishing around 10 wildfires.
French authorities praised the professionalism, composure, and bravery of the crew members and emphasized the daily risks these firefighters take in conducting firefighting, rescue, and emergency response missions.
An investigation has been initiated in France to determine the exact cause of the crash. Authorities have also activated emergency plans to prevent water pollution.
At the time of this incident, France was battling wildfires in the south, causing extensive damage larger than that of Paris, resulting in at least one death and 13 injuries, including 11 firefighters. Thousands of firefighters and dozens of aircraft are still actively engaged in firefighting operations.