As an ex-lighthouse pilot (not Irish lights) I can say that it was probably some of the most demanding and at times hazardous flying I have done. In the Bo105 you really are at the mercy of the elements at times and a heavy landing is really an occupational hazard. Most lights are situated in difficult geographical positions for obvious reasons and this creates some unusual up and down drafting which, at times, is not predictable.
The cross tubes were probably fairly bent before this anyway
