Originally Posted by
Mitchaa
So explain the words "but it's a possibility, it's a possibility" - There's nothing definite about that statement to me.
In the case of an accident, it's imperative that you get caught up in semantics. Everything needs to be crystal clear and to my ears with the words, but, possibility and intentions, those words are far from clear.
Just my opinion and perhaps wide off the mark but it's open to interpretation.
Some posters are suggesting the crew didn't have a clue where they were and they didn't know they were anywhere near a 300ft rock, I find that extremely hard to believe hence why I am having trouble with the ATC transcript.
The words "It's a possibility" were referring to whether they needed to go out to the boat. They were not used in reference to landing at/on Blacksod helipad.
As pointed out, they need to play it by ear to some extent as things evolve. The lack of contact with R118 was obviously causing them to consider their options. Land the chopper, refuel it and make a plan of action.