THIS is the shocking moment a crashed firefighting helicopter bursts into flames after the landing goes horribly wrong.
The two pilots miraculously survived when the helicopter crashed to the ground and caught fire near Italy’s Reggio Calabria Airport.
Footage shows the Erickson S-64F Skycrane jolt slightly before erupting into flames.
The helicopter proceeds to bellow thick plumes of smoke into the air.
An onlooker can be seen running and ducking away from the wreckage – presumably fearful it would explode again.
A wheel from the helicopter is seen rolling away as smoke continues to fill the sky.
The pilots were reportedly trying to land at an airport after fighting a nearby wildfire on Monday.
Despite the aircraft being practically skeletal after the fire, both pilots miraculously survived.
Local media say they managed to exit the chopper moments before it overturned.
They were helped to safety by firefighters, who secured the accident area.
The pair were taken to hospital in stable condition, “just for evaluations,” the fire brigade says.
One was reportedly unharmed.
The other sustained minor injuries but is expected to make a full recovery, NeedToKnow reports.
The crash caused the closure of Reggio Calabria Airport, near Sicily, Italy.
Inbound flights were diverted to other airports.
It’s currently believed the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, which the pilots noticed in time.
An investigation is underway to determine the true cause of the crash.
Calabria president Roberto Occhiuto said: “Best wishes for a speedy recovery to the two firefighters involved in a frightening incident near Reggio Calabria Airport.
“The helicopter they were using to tackle the fires currently raging in Calabria and other regions of Italy was affected by the accident.
“I want to thank once again all the workers who are dedicating themselves with great determination and professionalism, sometimes risking their own lives, to protect the environment and fight against the scourge of fires.”
