Helicopter pilot saves fixed-wing pilot - Unbelievable sequel! (NOW UPDATED)
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: UK
A team of Air Traffic Controllers from Newcastle won it but Dominic was nominated as runner-up. 
Full announcement here
Full announcement here
Dominic Underdown, a helicopter instructor from Lancing in West Sussex, was runner-up in the awards.
In December 2006, the pilot of a Pitts Special Biplane suffered engine problems and put out a Mayday call. The aircraft was damaged during the subsequent forced landing, trapping the pilot. Radio calls were then heard from the distressed pilot who believed fuel was leaking.
Mr Underdown was instructing in an R44 helicopter on a navigational exercise from Sandown on the Isle of Wight to Redhill in Surrey. He landed the helicopter adjacent to the crash site in Goodwood, West Sussex and, together with his student and a passenger, managed to free the pilot from the wreckage. Using his medical skills from a previous career as a nurse, he offered medical support until the emergency services were able to attend.
In December 2006, the pilot of a Pitts Special Biplane suffered engine problems and put out a Mayday call. The aircraft was damaged during the subsequent forced landing, trapping the pilot. Radio calls were then heard from the distressed pilot who believed fuel was leaking.
Mr Underdown was instructing in an R44 helicopter on a navigational exercise from Sandown on the Isle of Wight to Redhill in Surrey. He landed the helicopter adjacent to the crash site in Goodwood, West Sussex and, together with his student and a passenger, managed to free the pilot from the wreckage. Using his medical skills from a previous career as a nurse, he offered medical support until the emergency services were able to attend.
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Flexible
Today was the first time I have seen this thread and I read it from the first post not knowing this very sad ending. What a tragic loss, I can't help but feel we have lost a real hero. My deepest condolences to his family and those that were lucky to know him personally.
PT
PT
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: UK
As one lucky enough to have counted Dom as one of my closest friends I suppose I ought to complete this thread.
Nothing ever happened with regard to any negative CAA involvement in the rescue incident In fact the CAA were very supportive.
The whole saga did 'burn bridges' for Dom and a time later he left that employer and joined the freelancer 'circuit'. In true Dom fashion he wasn't willing to accept what he perceived as poor treatment, and ultimately Dom successfully sued his previous employer at Employment Tribunal.
Soon after Dom was diagnosed with a particularly nasty strain of pancreatic cancer. He fought with great tenacity (as one would have expected from a former RM), but sadly lost the battle 14 months later.
His funeral in Plymouth was well attended by a number of former colleagues and students.
He leaves a void in many that will be impossible to fill.
Nothing ever happened with regard to any negative CAA involvement in the rescue incident
In fact the CAA were very supportive.The whole saga did 'burn bridges' for Dom and a time later he left that employer and joined the freelancer 'circuit'. In true Dom fashion he wasn't willing to accept what he perceived as poor treatment, and ultimately Dom successfully sued his previous employer at Employment Tribunal.
Soon after Dom was diagnosed with a particularly nasty strain of pancreatic cancer. He fought with great tenacity (as one would have expected from a former RM), but sadly lost the battle 14 months later.
His funeral in Plymouth was well attended by a number of former colleagues and students.
He leaves a void in many that will be impossible to fill.
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Jungles of SW London
First time thread reader.
Today was the first time I have seen this thread and I read it from the first post not knowing this very sad ending. What a tragic loss, I can't help but feel we have lost a real hero. My deepest condolences to his family and those that were lucky to know him personally.
Roger.
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: SE England
he deserved better that
