I see they have called off the search.

My thoughts are with the families.

AG you are still a c0ck.

RIP guys. I knew Si very well during his time in the AAC. A-G as has been said you are indeed an ARSSE. The aircraft veered left about 500ft away from the rig. At that height and speed what happened to them was almost certainly not survivable despite the right equipment and training. A Eurocopter veering left sounds like loss of Tail Rotor Thrust to me (not meaning to speculate) and at that speed and height there would be little they could do. RIP.

My thoughts and condolences to Steve Pottons family. I had the privilege of knowing him in the AAC, smashing bloke, always smiling - one of the good eggs. RIP Steve.

Steve Potton
 

I knew Steve Potton many years ago in Germany. A sad loss, condolences to his family and others lost in the incident. Safe journey to the stars.

Times like this are always hard for all involved in aviation, but when you know someone it makes it that little bit worse.

I do not know any of the pax or the captain of the aircraft but my deepest thoughts are with their families at this time.

I did know Si very well and have spent many many hours in the cockpit with him and may I say what a true professional aviator he was.

Socially, a gentle giant who always had a boisterous grin and grufty laugh that brought laughter to all around him.

You will be missed big fella and thoughts and prayers go out to all your family at this tragic time.

EEB

It is not a dangerous job and no professional pilot would treat it as such.
Having flown with both chaps money and danger were most certainly the lowest of priorities.
RIP & God bless to all involved.

BBC news 24 were no better, they used footage of an EC135 most of the day.


Mickjoebill

Gut wrenching times, our thoughts are with all those whom lost their lives, their families and friends.

Mr & Mrs Mutt

Sad loss!
 

Me and Fodders both came from the same Infantry Regiment to the AAC, great bloke to be around with!!


FLIGHT IS FREEDOM IN IT'S PUREST FORM,
TO DANCE WITH THE CLOUDS, WHICH FOLLOW A STORM;
TO ROLL AND GLIDE, TO WHEEL AND SPIN;
TO FEEL THE JOY THAT SWELLS WITHIN;
TO LEAVE THE EARTH WITH ITS TROUBLES AND FLY,
AND KNOW THE WARMTH OF A CLEAR SPRING SKY;
THEN BACK TO EARTH AT THE END OF THE DAY,
RELEASED FROM THE TENSIONS WHICH MELTED AWAY.
SHOULD MY END COME WHILE I AM IN FLIGHT,
WHETHER BRIGHTEST DAY OR DARKEST NIGHT;
SPARE ME YOUR PITY AND SHRUG OFF THE PAIN,
SECURE IN THE KNOWLEDGE, THAT I'D DO IT AGAIN;
FOR EACH OF US IS CREATED TO DIE,
AND WITHIN ME I KNOW,
I WAS BORN TO FLY

RIP friend