A firefighting helicopter engaged in emergency operations crashed into Rosporden Lake in northwestern France on the evening of August 24, while attempting to scoop water to combat a nearby wildfire threatening residential areas.
The aircraft, identified as a Morane 29 water bomber, had successfully completed 27 water drops earlier that day over Beuzec-Cap-Sizun, helping protect over 10 hectares of vegetation. During a refilling maneuver above Rosporden Lake around 7:00 PM, the helicopter descended too rapidly. Despite efforts to stabilize, the tail struck the water, causing the aircraft to spin uncontrollably before crashing into the lake.
Miraculously, both the pilot and the onboard firefighter escaped unharmed and reached the shore without assistance. Eyewitnesses described the incident as unfolding in under ten seconds, with one bystander stating, “It dipped way too low and was descending fast. I thought it was going to explode.”
Local authorities commended the crew’s professionalism and courage, emphasizing the daily risks faced by emergency responders. “This accident reminds us that every day, firefighters in Finistère, and those who work alongside them, risk their lives to save people and protect property,” said a spokesperson from the prefecture.
An official investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause of the crash. In the meantime, firefighting operations continue uninterrupted with a replacement aircraft deployed to the region.