THIS is the terrifying moment a helicopter spins out of control and crashes into a lake as it tries to fight a massive wildfire.
Alarming video captures the helicopter trying to collect a bucket of water before unintentionally plunging into the lake as the pilot unexpectedly loses control.
The dramatic crash in France took place on the Rosporden Lake shortly after 7pm on Sunday.
A Morane 29 water bomber was completing a routine trip to scoop up water from the lake to be deployed across burning fields in Rosporden.
But instead of smoothly filling up the bucket, the pilot dropped too quickly and caused the helicopter’s tail to become submerged.
As the chopper lifted up and tried to shake off the water, the pilot was soon left fighting with the steering.
Seconds later, the chopper was seen spinning wildly out of control.
All the while an irate onlooker can be heard screaming in fear as the unpredictable aircraft thrashes about in the air.
After a frantic three seconds, the chopper smashed into the water and split apart.
A huge splash erupts upon impact with debris seen flying across the lake.
The man lets out one last scream before appearing to ask for help to rescue the pilot and a firefighter on board.
No one was injured as the prefecture of Finistere confirmed both men were able to exit the helicopter on their own and reach the shore unharmed.
Witnesses described how quickly the helicopter ended up in the water.
David recalled: “It dipped way too low and was descending fast. I thought it was going to explode, break into pieces.
“Once it flipped, it went in all directions.”
Local authorities did praise “the professionalism, composure, and courage of the pilot and the onboard firefighter”.
They remarked that this incident “serves as a reminder that daily, firefighters in Finistere, along with their colleagues, put their lives at risk to save lives and safeguard property”.
The aircraft had just completed a mission against a vegetation fire in Beuzec-Cap-Sizun earlier that day.
It had completed 27 water drops to help protect a 10-hectare area.
But the final trip ended in the disaster as the pilot came in to collect water for a fire which was threatening a home near Rosporden.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the helicopter crash.
The chopper was soon replaced by another aircraft to ensure the firefighting efforts could continue.
France has battled with wildfires across the past few weeks.
Apocalyptic flames scorched an area larger than Paris at the start of August as “unprecedented” blazes ripped through idyllic villages
Thousands of firefighters and dozens of water bomber aircraft fought the fires that broke out in the southern part of the country.
At least one person died and 13 others were injured, including 11 firefighters, according to local authorities.
