Overview

• The Morane 29 went down on Rosporden Lake shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday during wildfire operations in Finistère, Brittany.
• Video shared online shows the aircraft descending to refill when its tail struck the water and it spun out of control before impact, according to witnesses.
• The pilot and an onboard firefighter exited unaided and reached shore; local officials praised their professionalism and composure.
• A replacement aircraft took over so firefighting missions could continue, as authorities opened a formal investigation into the crash.
• The crew had carried out 27 water drops earlier that day protecting roughly 10 hectares, with France and parts of Europe facing an intense fire season.