French military SA342M Gazelle helicopter belonging to the 3rd Combat Helicopter Regiment crashed on 10 July 2018 in the Ivory Coast (Republic of Côte d’Ivoire) while engaged in a reconnaissance flight.

“The cause of the accident is still to be determined,” the French army said in a statement.

According to the aviafora.com, on 10th July 2018 near Abidjan in the Ivory Coast after hitting a power line crashed SA342M Gazelle helicopter.

Both crew members suffered serious injuries and were taken to the medical center at the French military base at Port Bouet. Some hours after being taken to this facility the pilot, Lieutenant Alexandre Arnaud, died from his injuries while the remaining crew member was flown to France for further treatment.

The SA342M is a light attack variant of the French multi-purpose, lightweight utility helicopter manufactured by Aerospatiale Helicopter Corporation.

The helicopter is used in approximately 23 countries, primarily for surveillance and reconnaissance. It is also used for military applications such as attack, anti-tank, anti-helicopter, transport and training. It can accommodate one pilot and four passengers.