Overview

• The helicopter went down shortly after 7 pm Sunday at Rosporden Lake during a refill to protect a nearby home.
• Video and witness accounts indicate a rapid descent led the tail to strike the water, sending the aircraft into a spin.
• The pilot and an onboard firefighter exited unaided and reached the shore without injury, according to the Finistère prefecture.
• The Morane 29 had completed multiple sorties earlier in the day, including 27 drops over Beuzec-Cap-Sizun that helped protect about 10 hectares.
• A replacement aircraft continued the response as officials opened an inquiry and praised the crew’s professionalism during an active wildfire season in France.