On Sunday 24 August 2025, at around 7.10 pm, the ‘Morane 29’ water-bombing helicopter belonging to the Finistère Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) was involved in a serious incident whilst responding to a fire threatening a property in the Rosporden area. Having been deployed following a day that had already seen several call-outs, the aircraft was involved in an accident whilst scooping water.
A spectacular accident, but no one was injured
Whilst filling the ‘bambi bucket’ – a flexible tank attached beneath the helicopter and used to carry water – the aircraft came into contact with the surface of the water. This delicate manoeuvre caused the helicopter to crash. Fortunately, the pilot and the fire officer on board managed to escape from the cockpit quickly and reach the shore unharmed.
A few hours earlier, the ‘Morane 29’ had already been deployed at Beuzec Cap Sizun, where its 27 water drops had helped to contain a wildfire threatening ten hectares. The operation had prevented the flames from spreading and demonstrated the importance of this type of aerial resource in fire-fighting strategy.
The authorities have praised the crew’s courage
Following the accident, several officials responded. Maël de Calan, President of the Department, Louis Le Franc, Prefect of Finistère, and Jean-Marc Puchois, First Vice-President of the SDIS, paid tribute to the “professionalism, composure and courage of the pilot and the officer on board”. They emphasised that such operations involve considerable risks, and that every mission involves men and women who are prepared to put their lives on the line to protect the public and property.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact causes of the accident. The Finistère Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS), in conjunction with the State, the Departmental Council and the operating company Héliberté, will take part in all the necessary investigations to clarify the circumstances of the incident.
An essential piece of equipment for firefighting
The ‘Morane 29’, which has been leased every summer since 2023 by the Departmental Council and the State to bolster the SDIS’s resources, has already carried out numerous operations. Since July, it has been deployed on more than twenty occasions, helping to extinguish several wildfires and save hundreds of hectares. Its responsiveness and ability to deal swiftly with the outbreak of fires make it an indispensable ally in a region where summer droughts increase the risk of wildfires.
In order to maintain operational continuity, a new aircraft will be deployed as a replacement from tomorrow. This decision ensures that the fire-fighting operation remains fully effective, despite the temporary loss of the ‘Morane 29’.