Passengers survive Brazilian helicopter crash

Four people have survived a helicopter crash in Brazil after the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a lake.

Onlookers and swimmers on the bank of Rio Turvo in Capitolio cheered as a helicopter for Wsfly tours lifted off and did a lap around the lake.

Their joy turned to sheer horror as the pilot's attempts to pull off the manoeuvre a second time backfired.

People could be heard screaming and ground staff held hands to their mouths in dismay as the aircraft quickly lost altitude before splashing down into the water.

The helicopter was destroyed in the accident but all three passengers and the pilot managed to escape the wreckage unscathed.

Crash investigators believe the accident was cause from tailwind that prevented the pilot from gaining altitude.