Pop's aircraft had lost one engine that had fallen off and taken half the rudder with it, the other engine and wing on that side was burning and they had insufficient power to stay airborne. Thanks to the damage to the tail/rudder the aircraft was also in a gentle turn towards high ground and at night. By the light from the burning wing he saw a potential landing area, chopped everything, put it down and they all walked (ran) away from it. Well deserved (and one of the very few) almost instant awards of the AFC.
Of note if the Nimrod that had the engine fire over the Moray Firth had tried to make it to Lossiemouth (also only a few miles away) instead of the instant decision to ditch it the outcome would have also been catastrophic.
There are times and emergencies which are designated as 'LAND IMMEDIATELY, even if that means landing in an unsuitable area and includes ditching, as continued flight is inadvisable' (or similar words). That is what captaincy is all about - the decision to do so is yours and frequently instantaneous - just ask Chesley Sullenberger.
PS - 1. We reckoned the magnesium alloy mainspars would only last about 2 mins max in a fire. 2. We had another Shack on 205 Sqn that had an uncontrolled engine fire en route Gan to Changi at about 8000ft -although they tried to ditch, the wing folded before they reached the water.
Last edited by Shackman; 17th Mar 2014 at 13:50.
Reason: Adding the PS