Helicopter battling Nova Scotia wildfire crashes; pilot rescued alive
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Pilot survives helicopter crash while battling Long Lake wildfire
Synopsis
A firefighting helicopter crashed in Nova Scotia during the Long Lake wildfire operation. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon. The pilot was rescued after a tense emergency response. He was conscious and taken for medical assessment. Transport Canada will investigate the crash. Firefighting efforts continue with ground crews and aerial resources.
By Global Desk
Nova Scotia officials say a firefighting helicopter crashed Friday afternoon(August 15) while battling the fast-moving Long Lake wildfire, but the pilot survived and was rescued after a tense emergency response.
The pilot was conscious and talking with firefighters who quickly reached the aircraft. By 6 pm, he was rescued and taken for medical assessment.
The cause of the crash has not been determined. Transport Canada, which oversees aviation safety, has been notified and is expected to launch an investigation.
The helicopter was conducting water-bucket operations over Long Lake in Annapolis County, part of an effort to contain a wildfire that has burned more than 400 hectares of forest and forced multiple evacuations since earlier this week, according to provincial officials.
Aerial firefighting is among the most hazardous forms of aviation, requiring pilots to maneuver at low altitude in heavy smoke and turbulent winds. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has previously highlighted the risks of water-bucket operations, including sudden engine failures and visibility loss in smoke.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston praised the rapid response that ensured the pilot’s survival.
“I’m relieved the pilot was rescued quickly and wish them a full recovery. My thanks to the firefighters and first responders who reached the aircraft so swiftly,” Houston said in a statement Friday evening.
Despite the crash, officials said firefighting operations at the Long Lake blaze will continue with ground crews and remaining aerial resources. The wildfire, sparked by lightning earlier this week, remains out of control and has already prompted evacuation orders for dozens of homes.
The Department of Natural Resources said safety remains the top priority for both crews and nearby residents.
Transport Canada investigators will examine the aircraft wreckage, pilot records, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
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The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR) confirmed the aircraft went down in shallow water at approximately 4:24 pm local time.The pilot was conscious and talking with firefighters who quickly reached the aircraft. By 6 pm, he was rescued and taken for medical assessment.
The cause of the crash has not been determined. Transport Canada, which oversees aviation safety, has been notified and is expected to launch an investigation.
The helicopter was conducting water-bucket operations over Long Lake in Annapolis County, part of an effort to contain a wildfire that has burned more than 400 hectares of forest and forced multiple evacuations since earlier this week, according to provincial officials.
Aerial firefighting is among the most hazardous forms of aviation, requiring pilots to maneuver at low altitude in heavy smoke and turbulent winds. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has previously highlighted the risks of water-bucket operations, including sudden engine failures and visibility loss in smoke.
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Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston praised the rapid response that ensured the pilot’s survival.
“I’m relieved the pilot was rescued quickly and wish them a full recovery. My thanks to the firefighters and first responders who reached the aircraft so swiftly,” Houston said in a statement Friday evening.
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Despite the crash, officials said firefighting operations at the Long Lake blaze will continue with ground crews and remaining aerial resources. The wildfire, sparked by lightning earlier this week, remains out of control and has already prompted evacuation orders for dozens of homes.
The Department of Natural Resources said safety remains the top priority for both crews and nearby residents.
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Transport Canada investigators will examine the aircraft wreckage, pilot records, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
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