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Helicopter Crashes During Firefighting Mission in Spain, Five Killed (UR-48018)

Banyeres de Mariola, SpainFlight

On July 6, 1994, an Antonov AN-32 (registration UR-48018) operated by Heliservicio was involved in an aviation accident near Banyeres de Mariola, Spain in flight. 5 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft stalled after the crew approached the fire zone at too low an altitude and dropped the water load too late while trying to hop over a mountain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Heliservicio helicopter on a firefighting mission crashed near Banyeres de Mariola, Spain, after stalling at low altitude. One crew member was seriously injured; five other occupants were killed.

Accident Details

On the day of the accident, a helicopter operated by Heliservicio on behalf of the Civil Security of Spain was engaged in a firefighting mission in the Sierra de Mariola region, approximately 90 km south of Valencia. The aircraft was leased from Antonov Design Bureau.

Sequence of Events

The crew approached the fire zone at a low altitude and released the water load later than optimal. While attempting to climb over a mountain, the helicopter stalled. It then struck the ground approximately 10 meters below the summit of the mountain and crashed.

Injuries and Fatalities

One crew member suffered serious injuries, while five other occupants were killed in the accident.

Operational Context

The mission involved aerial firefighting in the Banyeres de Mariola area. The aircraft was operating under contract to support Civil Security efforts.

Probable cause

The aircraft stalled after the crew approached the fire zone at too low an altitude and dropped the water load too late while trying to hop over a mountain.
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jul 1994 Antonov AN-32 accident near Banyeres de Mariola, Spain?

A Heliservicio helicopter on a firefighting mission crashed near Banyeres de Mariola, Spain, after stalling at low altitude. One crew member was seriously injured; five other occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jul 1994 Antonov AN-32 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jul 1994 involved an Antonov AN-32, registration UR-48018, operated by Heliservicio, at Banyeres de Mariola, Spain.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft stalled after the crew approached the fire zone at too low an altitude and dropped the water load too late while trying to hop over a mountain.

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