Overview

• A SEPA firefighting helicopter crashed into the Tanes reservoir on May 2 while collecting water to combat a nearby forest fire in Asturias, Spain.
• The sole pilot of the helicopter successfully escaped and swam to safety before the aircraft sank to the reservoir bed.
• Authorities have launched a technical investigation into the crash, with initial speculation focusing on a possible issue with the cables connecting the water bucket.
• The helicopter was one of only two aerial firefighting assets available to SEPA, underscoring the strain on regional firefighting resources.
• Emergency crews and investigators remain on-site as firefighting operations continue using the remaining helicopter.