Argentine pilot in helicopter crash had 'vast experience'

The pilot who flew a helicopter involved in a deadly crash in Argentina on Monday was "vastly experienced", his partner has said.

Eight French nationals, including three sports stars, and the Argentine pilots died when the two helicopters collided.

Experts are investigating the accident, which happened in good weather in La Rioja province.

The sports stars were taking part in the filming of French TV reality show Dropped.

The partner of pilot Juan Carlos Castillo told the NEWS that Mr Castillo was a war veteran who had more than three decades of flying experience.

Azucena Aguero said her partner had flown many times with the TV production company producing the show.

She said she had "no idea" why the two helicopters had collided in such ideal conditions near the town of Villa Castelli in northern Argentina.   The two helicopters collided in good weather conditions in daylight

   Azucena Aguero (centre) says her partner, pilot Juan Carlos Castillo, was very experienced

Video of the accident shows the helicopters flying close to each other in clear conditions, before one appears to fly into the other.

French air investigators will join Argentine experts to probe the causes of the crash, in which Olympic swimmer Camille Muffat, boxer Alexis Vastine and sailor Florence Arthaud died.

French President Francois Hollande said their death was "a cause of immense sadness".