BRETAGNE, France — A helicopter crashed into a lake on Sunday while refilling its water bucket to fight a wildfire in Brittany, France. Both crew members survived and were transported to a nearby hospital along with an eyewitness.
What Happened?
The Morane 29 helicopter had already made 27 water drops on a fire near Beuzec-Cap-Sizun before moving to another blaze in Rosporden. While collecting water from a nearby lake, the aircraft descended too quickly, dipping its tail rotor into the water. The splashdown caused the helicopter to spin out of control and crash into the lake.
Dramatic footage captured by a bystander shows the helicopter lowering its “Bambi bucket” moments before tipping into a violent tailspin. The onlooker can be heard exclaiming “Holy cow” as the chopper hit the water.
Crew Escapes
Both the pilot and a firefighter onboard climbed out of the wreckage and swam to shore, where they received assistance. Officials later confirmed that they were “safe and sound.” The incident did not disrupt ongoing firefighting efforts, as another helicopter was immediately deployed.
Community Reaction
The crash prompted authorities to close a nearby beach more than 10 miles away, frustrating local families. One resident, 22-year-old Thibault, filmed the crash and recounted that the crew reassured rescuers that they were unharmed.
Investigation Underway
The French Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into the incident. Water scooping is considered one of the most dangerous aerial firefighting techniques, requiring pilots to fly low over lakes or ponds while keeping the helicopter steady. This summer, the Morane 29 had already completed 154 water drops over 33 missions.
