chop jock: it was an Air Ambulance on Air Ambulance ops, even if it is multi tasked at times. The
Wiltshire Police made the following statement, which differs enough from the media report as to be worth considering before you make any more wild assumptions:
Shortly after midnight on 8th September 2011, the Wiltshire Air Ambulance was responding to requests from ambulance crews on the ground in Calne who were dealing with a patient suffering chest problems.
Whilst over the location it was forced to abort a landing and police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this as there is evidence to suggest that a laser pen was being directed at the aircraft.
The casualty, who had been receiving treatment from paramedics for considerable time was instead transported to GWH in Swindon by land ambulance but was pronounced dead on arrival.
At this stage we are satisfied that the helicopter not being able to land did not affect the outcome of this incident.
Endangering an aircraft is a very serious offence and any incident where lasers or bright lights are shone deliberately could have catastrophic consequences for the aircraft crew and those on the ground
Shining a laser pen at an aircraft can potentially distract or block the pilot’s view from the cockpit – and this is why it is so dangerous and foolish
Laser pens do work both ways though – the air crew can identify where a laser has come from - and we have provided information to officers who are now conducting a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident