HK probes helicopter mishap (from
RTHK)
A GFS helicopter comes down in the Shing Mun Reservoir. Photo: Simon Lee
The Hong Kong Government Flying Service has grounded all three of its Super Puma Mark Two helicopters after engine trouble forced one to make an emergency landing in the Shing Mun reservoir.
The three crew members escaped unharmed. An investigation is underway into the incident.
The helicopter involved in Monday's incident was taking part in a hill-fire operation and flying low, lifting buckets of water from the Shing Mun Reservoir, when an engine problem prevented it from climbing. The pilot then made an emergency landing into the reservoir, several hundred metres from the shore.
An inflatable device kept the helicopter afloat while the three crew members climbed into the water and swam to safety. They were taken to Yan Chai hospital for examination and released.
Director-General of Civil Aviation Norman Lo said an investigation will look at all factors, including any mechanical problems affecting the Super Puma Mark 2 helicopter. Mr Lo said the craft had gone through regular maintenance and was up to service standards.
Engineers from the French maker of the Supa Puma helicopter will carry out checks on the government's three aircraft. The helicopter involved in Monday's incident has been in service since 2001 and has accumulated more than 5,000 flying hours.
Michael Chan, Controller of the Government Flying Service, said the chopper's age was not thought to be a factor in the accident. He praised the pilot for making the right call by performing an emergency landing. He said the move ensured the crew's safety.
The helicopter will be partially disassembled, then airlifted from the site. The recovery operation is expected to take days.
Engineers from the Water Services Department took samples of the reservoir water for tests, but there was no immediate sign of contamination to the supply.
Floats were used to cordon off the chopper to guard against any oil spill.