A meticulous work carried out away from prying eyes. Since the terrible helicopter crash that cost the lives of the two occupants of a helicopter on Wednesday, around 6 p.m., in Saint-Raphaël, the investigation continues.
This Friday, at the site where the Bell 505 crashed (very close to the Estérel Caravaning campsite, between the Valescure and Agay districts), technicians in white overalls took samples and observations on the carcass of the device.
Expertise at the IML in Nice
According to our information, the autopsy on the bodies of the two men of Ukrainian nationality who died in the crash will be carried out next week at the Nice forensic institute.
Upon impact, both were ejected and likely died instantly. Two investigations were opened.
The first is conducted by the National Police and the GTA (Air Transport Gendarmerie). The second is conducted by the BEA (Bureau of Investigation and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety).
According to testimonies, the pilot would have carried out a maneuver in order to avoid crashing into the campsite. The hypothesis of a breakdown seems to be favored, since according to testimonies collected by investigators, the single turbine (which had left Cannes-Mandelieu airport ten minutes earlier) would have suffered intermittent damage, shortly before the tragedy… Until the rotor stopped completely. However, criminal intent has not been completely ruled out, for the time being.
