Eurocopter EC135 crash near Bonvillard, Savoie, France

A Eurocopter EC135 operated by Service Aérien Français crashed near Bonvillard, close to Albertville in the Savoie Alps, at around 19:10 local time while on a mountain rescue training flight. The aircraft fell from an altitude of about 1,800 metres. Five of the six aboard were killed; the pilot escaped seriously injured and raised the alarm himself. The crew comprised two pilots (one in training), two winch operators and two mountain rescue workers, including officers from the CRS mountain unit. Dense fog at the crash site prevented rescue helicopters from reaching the scene and the survivor was recovered on foot. Poor weather was cited by officials as a possible factor; the BEA opened an investigation.