RAF Avalanche deaths
 

Just seen...

Two RAF Personnel Were Avalanche Victims

Per Ardua ad Astra guys...

:sad::sad::sad:

Very sad news. Thoughts go out to family and close friends :(

The second RAF person has been named. Flt Lt Fran Capps. I knew her through her work with the National Trust years ago and when she was at Southhampton Uni when she was in the same year as my wife. She was a lovely person and my thoughts go to her family and friends. RIP.

Flight Lieutenant Fran Capps

Whilst it is undoubtably a tragedy for all concerned, it is somehow reassuring that these young people were continuing the finest traditions of the RAF and were involved in adventurous, healthy outdoor pursuits.

I have been away this week so was very, very sad news to hear of the loss of these two individuals from the Royal Air Force. My thoughts are with all of their family and friends. They were obviously outstanding people who I have no doubts served the RAF with pride and honour. I would suggest that they were outgoing people who enjoyed adventure and took life to the full. Flap32, I totally agree with your post, well said.

However, and I apologise if I offend anybody, but I do feel they deserve a few more tributes, here on PPRuNe Military Aircrew, than this! 2824 views and 5 replies, very sad indeed:(

Pushing the bounds; per ardua ad astra.

Tragedy. Fran was a mate of mine - great kid; fun, smart, good at her job and probably up for promotion soon. A real superstar and a massive loss to the Chinook Force.

Given the connection, can I suggest that the RAF Odiham gate guardian is re-branded FOXTROT CHARLIE.

RIP Frannie.

What a lovely suggestion :D:D It would be really nice if that could be done.

RIP Rimon. Top, top bloke. Always a smile for everyone he met.

I knew Fran in a professional sense only but she was only ever cheery, smiling and could brighten even the most dullest of days. A lovely Lady that will be sorely missed and was thought of fondly by all those that worked for her and knew her.
Heaven will be a happier place now you are there.

RIP Fran.

Sounds like the RAF Mountain Rescue Winter Course - was it? If so, doubly tragic.

In the same spot, same course, Feb 68.

Siseman.

It wasn't the MRS Winter Course.

They were on a RAFMA meet.

Absolutely tragic news. To hear of the loss of 2 friends in the mountains both so young and both with so much promise.

Very Tragic.

It would appear, however, from an article in the Daily Record, that they were not carrying AVDs. For the uninitiated, these are small battery powered short-range radio transceivers that greatly facilitate the recovery of avalanche victims. In my ski-mountaineering club here in France, we are not allowed out on the mountains in winter without AVDs, collapsible 3m probe and folding shovel. We also practise regularly their use. Statistics show that 92% of victims survive if recovered within 15 minutes, thereafter the percentage drops off a cliff down to about 10%. The best chance of survival therefore comes from other members of the climbing party being equipped and trained to carry out the recovery. By the time a helicopter arrives, it is usually too late.

This equipment is not expensive at all, and I am surprised that the RAFMA would appear not to require members of the party to carry it in any conditions where there is a risk of avalanche.

There also appears to have been a lack of awareness of avalanche risk as the article mentions that "two parties were on opposite sides of the valley". In general the avalanche risk in a valley is greater on one side than another, depending on wind direction and orientation to the sun, so it would appear to be that one of the parties was taking an unnecessary risk. I don't know the valley where the accident took place, but given that the snow was "like concrete" this suggests that they may have been on a south facing slope which has been subjected to thaw-freeze cycles. Here in France the excellent Meteo-France website puts out detailed avalanche risk forecasts which take into account weather patterns for the past two weeks and which are indispensable in route-planning. I don't know whether the UKMO puts out similar information.

Here is the Daily Record article:

Rescuer tells how Cairngorms avalanche victims were buried in snow 'like liquid concrete' for hours - Daily Record

"Here in France the excellent Meteo-France website puts out detailed avalanche risk forecasts which take into account weather patterns for the past two weeks and which are indispensable in route-planning. I don't know whether the UKMO puts out similar information."

Avalanche info here:-
Avalanche Information for Scotland | sportscotland Avalanche Information Service

RAF MRS not allowed on the hill in winter without AVDs

Very sad to hear this on the news earlier this week. I noticed on a news report from a previous incident, that the RAF Leeming MRT were all the way up to the Cairgorms for a rescue. Was the Kinloss MRT just done away with when Kinloss closed, or did they move to Lossie?

Very sad news, my wife knew Fran from SUAS and Cranwell. RIP, thoughts are very much with the friends and families of all involved.

Dan,

Kinloss MRT is now Lossiemouth MRT, but still operating out of the Kinloss site/buildings for now (if that makes sense)!

Thanks Biggus.