The aircraft came down at around 13:40 local time in the Verdon Gorge¹, an area popular with hikers.

 

The helicopter, a Cougar², belonged to aviation（航空） company Eurocopter and was on a test flight involving pilots and engineers, officials say.

 

Witnesses said the helicopter had hit an electricity cable before plunging³ down onto the river bank.

 

Firefighters and a team of climbers were despatched（派遣） to the scene, as well as a medically-equipped helicopter.

 

The helicopter came down in one of Europe's best known river gorges⁴, which runs 700m (2,300 ft) deep. 

 

Police spokesman Benoit Gounine told reporters that rescuers had trouble reaching the site.

 

"The accident happened in a very difficult place to access, which complicates⁵ our work," he said.

 

Investigations⁶ are taking place to determine the cause of the crash. 

 

French radio station Europe 1 said the Cougar had been destined⁷ for the Albanian army and was being followed by a second helicopter at the time of the crash.

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