the essential
Two people died in the crash of a tourist helicopter in the Estérel massif in the Var on Wednesday June 26. The victims were of Ukrainian nationality.
Two people died in the crash of a tourist helicopter on Wednesday around 6:30 p.m. in the Estérel massif in the Var, said a source close to the investigation.
The passengers on board the plane were Ukrainian, says the regional daily Be Matin. The private helicopter took off from Cannes-Mandelieu airport (Alpes Maritimes), located around thirty kilometers from the accident. The investigation to determine the conditions of the accident was entrusted by the Draguignan public prosecutor’s office to the national police and the research section of the air transport gendarmerie (SRGTA).
Engine failure
Shortly before crashing into a campsite, the helicopter suffered an engine failure. Witnesses say they heard “a large boom, followed by several other smaller explosions.” They then saw a column of smoke.
Besides the two passengers of the machine, no casualties were reported in the tourist accommodation area. Only one mobile home was slightly affected.
Furthermore, our colleagues from Var Matin point out, the area where the accident occurred had been carefully cleared. Consequently, the fire following the fall of the aircraft remained confined to the perimeter of the accident.
