Strathclyde Police Helicopter Accident

[Helinut]

Sad to report that there has been a forced landing involving this helicopter. Understand it to be the EC135 operated by Bond Air Services. Media reports all 3 occupants injured, but 2 have left hospital after treatment.

The best source I have found is at the BBC website -

<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/scotland/newsid_1826000/1826661.stm" target="_blank">http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/scotland/newsid_1826000/1826661.stm</a>

I wish all concerned a rapid and complete recovery.

Accurate details will have to wait on the usual reports, but the photo on the above website suggests a pretty heavy landing.

[Heliport]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1825000/images/_1827349_site300.jpg

Amazing that the pilot and one observer received only minor injuries.. .Best wishes to the second observer for a speedy recovery.

[aspinwing]

I certainly wish them well.

If the initial BBC report is to believed, and the second picture on the BBC site is the cab involved; my question is, "Why was it not fitted with WSPS?" The big transmission (grid) lines are the ones that are usually marked on charts; however, it is the dinky little farm/residential line that will get you everytime when you are IFR(I follow roads) looking for the auto crash / lost child, etc.

I hope that this wasn't the case but it is a thought for the OPS people.

[Thomas coupling]

We dont use/need the wire strike warner because we don't operate at those heights for police work (Different story for HEMS). Usual score: risk management/weight/cost penalties etc.

I think you'll find this wasn't due to a wire strike anyway...

I suspect they walked away from this mainly because of the crashworthiness of the EC135. I don't think a squirrel would have coped as well. <img src="eek.gif" border="0">

[Roofus]

I would just like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the crew, their famillies & all concerned with the Strathclyde ASU.

[widgeon]

On the Dart stand they had obstacle avoidance radar also picked up info on the Dornier Hellas laser system. Any word on what caused the accident yet ?.

[Arkroyal]

Hmmm, sobering picture!

In my day that kind of damage was called a crash, not a heavy landing.

I'm very glad to hear that the occupants are not too badly hurt, and hope that they make quick and full recovery.

For those who followed the thread 'Police Observers - crew or pax?' I wonder where Strathclyde's authority stand on the question? Proper cover, or hiding behind lawyers.

This further accident reinforces the need for you folks to get a final ruling on where you will stand after the unthinkable.

[Thomas coupling]

ArkRoyal: Strathclyde are probably the leading authority on the crew Vs pax issue, from the days in 1990 when they last had a crash and there was a House of Lords ruling on the subject.

[ 20 February 2002: Message edited by: Thomas coupling ]</p>

[PushTo Shock]

Just like to echo Roofus's post. Get well soon boys. Grapes and card in the post!

From a fellow EC135'er

[Arkroyal]

TC

Indeed there was, and it went against the observers. The same ruling has lengthened the process of settlement since the East Mids accident in Oct 1998.

There will be other incidents in the future, and it is up to you police and medic aircrew with your unions to get this question answered once and for all.