Top Gear released a video over the weekend that captured a horrifying helicopter crash that occurred during a special race challenge against a Corvette ZR1 for Top Gear Korea, the South Korean edition of the original Top Gear UK motoring show.
Presenter Kim Jin Pyo was armed with a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 when he was pitted in a race against an ex-military AH-1 Cobra assault helicopter around an Arizona airfield last year. A classic aircraft versus supercar face-off, the insane ZR1 managed to hold off the low-flying attack-mode Cobra copter and win the race.
After the race, the Cobra appears to be circling back to the staging area when it suddenly loses altitude and slams into the ground. Its massive rotors dig into the ground and sends dirt and debris into the air as the fuselage rolls, flexes, and disintegrates upon impact. TV crew members can be spotted fleeing from the crash as shrapnel flies towards a production van parked in close vicinity.
Here's what Top Gear had to say:
**This was an accident that was caught on camera during filming for Top Gear Korea. Thankfully no one was seriously injured**
The original challenge pitted presenter Kim Jin Pyo in a Corvette ZR1 against an AH1 Cobra helicopter in true Top Gear style.
Responding quickly, the film crew and first responders rush to the wreckage to help the pilot. Kim also drives the Vette over to the crash site and runs out of the car to come to the pilot's aid. Thankfully, the pilot only suffered minor injuries
The cause of the helicopter crash isn't revealed. Given the demanding aerial maneuvers the Cobra performed, it is equally possible that the helicopter suffered a mechanical failure or human error.
See the dramatic Top Gear crash yourself by playing the video below.
