The pilot of an Everjets helicopter on fire fighting duties in Cabril, Viseu, died on Sunday just before midday.
The helicopter hit some high voltage cables, span out of control and crashed to the ground, bursting into flames with the pilot trapped inside, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil belonging to Everjets is a single-pilot single-pilot helicopter with a maximum capacity of 5 people. It has a range of 650 kilometres and is capable of reaching 287 kmph.
The aircraft was based at the Armamar Air Media Centre, Viseu and the mayor of Castro Daire, Fernando Carneiro and fire chief Paulo Almeida confirmed the helicopter crash.
According to the National Civil Protection Authority website, the fire in Cabril is still being fought by 92 operators, 18 vehicles and three air support units.
The helicopter belonged to the Armamar Air Media Centre and was being used in the service of the GNR’s intervention and protection team (GIPS).
