A Vigili del fuoco (fire department) Erickson S-64F Skycrane (reg. I-CFAG), crashed during landing at Reggio Calabria Airport. The helicopter hit the ground around 15:40, causing a significant emergency response.
Fortunately, both pilots were pulled alive from the wreckage and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Their condition is reported to be stable, and they are expected to make a full recovery.
The Erickson S-64F Skycrane is a highly specialized heavy-lift helicopter designed for a variety of tasks, including firefighting, logging, and construction. Originally developed by Sikorsky as the S-64, it was later acquired by Erickson Inc., which has continued to produce and enhance the helicopter. The Skycrane is particularly renowned for its impressive lifting capacity and versatility. Equipped with a powerful firefighting system, it can carry large volumes of water or fire retardant, making it an invaluable asset in combating wildfires.
As a result of the crash, Reggio Calabria Airport is currently closed, and all flights have been diverted to other airports.