Two dead after the crash of a helicopter, near the Eze pass, which was to land in Monaco
In the early afternoon, around 2 p.m., an Airbus H130 helicopter from the Monacair company crashed near the Col d’Eze, on the hillside. The provisional report shows 2 people dead according to the firefighters, the pilot in his thirties was from the region.
The helicopter was flying between Eze and Villefranche, this Friday, November 25 around 2 p.m., when for reasons still unknown, the aircraft to hit the ground, near the Col d’Eze.
53 firefighters were deployed to the crash site, the provisional toll is 2 people dead at this time.
The firefighters intervened in a difficult to access, steep area, but no risk of fire spreading to the vegetation was relayed by the SDIS 06.
According to our information, a dog brigade was on site in the afternoon to try to locate a possible third passenger who was on board. He could have jumped from the aircraft before impact.
A deputy public prosecutor of Nice, Xavier Bonhomme, also went to the site.
The Monacair helicopter that crashed is an Airbus H130, whose range does not exceed 530 kilometres. It can accommodate 6 people and can reach a speed of 220 km/h. It is a recent device, it was marketed by the European firm 5 years ago.
The device belongs to the Monacair Companya company acquired recently by an American group.
The Monegasque company communicated after 5 p.m. to explain that one of their “H130 T2 type helicopters, registered 3A-MVT lost all contact” this Friday. It confirms that the flight plan was drawn up between Lausanne, in Switzerland, and Monaco; that the first elements indicate that the helicopter was carrying 1 passenger and 1 crew member.
In the name of Monacair, we present in these painful moments all our condolences and our greatest support to the families of the victims. All the necessary measures to assist families have already been put in place. An emergency psychological cell will be available to ensure the management of emotional trauma.
Flight conditions were normal this Friday at middaywithout significant vents or reduced visibility conditions.
The company advises that at this stage of the investigation, “no element concerning the circumstances of this accident can be pronounced by the company“.
Monacair claims to be in “constant relationship with the authorities to determine the causes of this accident.” She should be informed “continually on the progress of the investigation with the authorities of the BEA and the GTA.”
The investigation was entrusted to the gendarmerie by the public prosecutor.