78 Sqn Chinook Crash (20 years ago)
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Anniversary this Friday
This Friday will be the 28th Anniversary of this sad day.
I was down there on 78 at the time and always remember them, a glass will be raised in their memory.
I was down there on 78 at the time and always remember them, a glass will be raised in their memory.
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ZA721
In 1987 I was a LCpl in the R SIGNALS employed at the JOC Radio Hut now RADCON. I was 19 at the time and remember the 27 Feb as a hot sunny day; I was sat outside catching the sun and waiting for the Tristar to depart. The Chinook which I saw the previous day being repaired flew over me and then departed South.
Today, I am a Major in the R SIGNALS aged 47 and led a small commemorative party to the crash site to pay my respects. The memorial is now well maintained, we cleaned the brass plate and signed the new visitors book. We held a short service and then departed. The RAF Seaking managed a flypast which was great. I did this, because the crash for me had a lasting memory and not many in the Falklands today are aware of the tragedy. I wanted to make sure that the day was not forgotten. I have some photographs if anyone wishes to see them.
Best regards and they have been remembered in 2015.
Nick Wood
Today, I am a Major in the R SIGNALS aged 47 and led a small commemorative party to the crash site to pay my respects. The memorial is now well maintained, we cleaned the brass plate and signed the new visitors book. We held a short service and then departed. The RAF Seaking managed a flypast which was great. I did this, because the crash for me had a lasting memory and not many in the Falklands today are aware of the tragedy. I wanted to make sure that the day was not forgotten. I have some photographs if anyone wishes to see them.
Best regards and they have been remembered in 2015.
Nick Wood
Last edited by b5a46b1835ec92c2f1ad; 1st Mar 2015 at 00:27.
Pete, Jerry, Dave and Andy, RIP boys, remembering 7 Sqn and previous down south tours.
Was on the Minor team at 78Sqn prior to Dave and crew. We went home a bit early as 721 wasn't due in on a Minor. There for the grace....Per Diem Per Noctem.
Was on the Minor team at 78Sqn prior to Dave and crew. We went home a bit early as 721 wasn't due in on a Minor. There for the grace....Per Diem Per Noctem.
Avoid imitations
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Thank you, much appreciated, Nick.
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Thanks for posting the video Nick, would it be possible for you to share to pictures (Dropbox or something), I'd like to print a couple if OK with you to show to Sue Chitty when I see her next month.
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Sorry to jump on this thread, but I spend around a year in the Falklands around this time as part of the Henlow Fitting Party - often flying between the mountain tops with 78 Sqn and the Erics.
I cam across some photos today of me sitting on the ramp as we flew fast and low across West Falkland, but also came across a photo of a crashed Chinook that I understood had only recently gone down. Something in my mind tells me the location was Mount Helen on West Falkland and I think the Pilot mentioned over the radio that it had only just gone down. What I can't tell you is when this was exactly - but I'm guessing around 1985/6?? I've a photo of it here (not very good I'm afraid), but as it was really remote - I'm guessing there aren't alot of images of this one around?
Just curious really if anyone knows anything about this incident. Also an opportunity to the 78 Sqn guys at the time that we really appreciated the "lifts" we requested at a time when most would have chosen not to have flown in them......
We were flying ZA709 BTW if that helps screw down a date? I note this also crashed, but may years later in Sangin.
I cam across some photos today of me sitting on the ramp as we flew fast and low across West Falkland, but also came across a photo of a crashed Chinook that I understood had only recently gone down. Something in my mind tells me the location was Mount Helen on West Falkland and I think the Pilot mentioned over the radio that it had only just gone down. What I can't tell you is when this was exactly - but I'm guessing around 1985/6?? I've a photo of it here (not very good I'm afraid), but as it was really remote - I'm guessing there aren't alot of images of this one around?
Just curious really if anyone knows anything about this incident. Also an opportunity to the 78 Sqn guys at the time that we really appreciated the "lifts" we requested at a time when most would have chosen not to have flown in them......
We were flying ZA709 BTW if that helps screw down a date? I note this also crashed, but may years later in Sangin.
It is ZA715.
As I recall the accident occurred on West Falklands on 13th May 1986, during white-out conditions, whilst trying to climb over the top of the ridge. Sadly with the loss of three lives.
As I recall the accident occurred on West Falklands on 13th May 1986, during white-out conditions, whilst trying to climb over the top of the ridge. Sadly with the loss of three lives.
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Chinook HC1 ZA715
David Vincent BROWNING
Wayne John HOPSON
Toyabahadur Gurung
From Key publishing forum
David Vincent BROWNING
Wayne John HOPSON
Toyabahadur Gurung
From Key publishing forum
Gentleman Aviator
And the Captain went back to flying eventually - instructing on the Gazelle (no footbrakes, no problem!) IIRC.
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And the Captain went back to flying eventually - instructing on the Gazelle
It took a while to realise that he was referring to the fact that he had a missing limb and the replacement made a noise. It didn't make any difference to his flying, as we went through GH and PFL's at Tern Hill and Chetwynd before some confined area ops and a PAR back into Shawbury.
I remember as a Cpl. being dropped off at the crash site with a Jnr. Tech to see if any parts that were other wise in short supply could be salvaged from the wreck. Very remote and desolate place. The two of us spent the best part of a day there removing a few parts and were more than grateful when the Wokka picked us up again.
I believe the wreck was eventually under slung and 'buried at sea'.
I believe the wreck was eventually under slung and 'buried at sea'.