Morecambe Bay helo down
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
After conducting a search pattern to the NE of the accident site all morning, one of the SBVs, Grampian Supporter, has returned towards the Hamiton field. The other two have moved the search further west.
As a Dauphine pilot it was with a great deal of disbelief that I heard the news last night of one of our 365Ns crashing off Blackpool. My initial thought was that it can't be true, yet unfortunately it is with the tragic loss of life.
It is difficult to put into words what I and most of my colleagues are feeling except a deep sense of loss of a very professional crew, along with their passengers.
Although never based at Blackpool I have flown there and will always remember the smiling face of SP and the help he always gave me even though I was normally only there for a base check. I never met SF but my condolonces go to both his and SP's families.
I am sure that I speak for all of the CHC Dauphine and pilot community in saying that SP and SF will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with their families.
HF
It is difficult to put into words what I and most of my colleagues are feeling except a deep sense of loss of a very professional crew, along with their passengers.
Although never based at Blackpool I have flown there and will always remember the smiling face of SP and the help he always gave me even though I was normally only there for a base check. I never met SF but my condolonces go to both his and SP's families.
I am sure that I speak for all of the CHC Dauphine and pilot community in saying that SP and SF will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with their families.
HF
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: UK
Age: 47
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Steve was a fantastic Chief Pilot, I felt very well looked after by him. He was doing a very difficult job, fortunately he had wicked sense of humour.
RIP my dear friend.
RIP my dear friend.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Stuck on 50:30 North
Age: 68
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Now both names have been released, It's nice to see so many good memories and thoughts being posted.
I knew Steve more many years and had many headaches to prove it! A more gentle man you could not wish to meet. And, yes! he had a wicked sense of humour and a wonderful sense of fun.
Simon I knew through his EMS work. A gentle giant, larger than life, and by his own admission "absolutly Barking!"
Both will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace guys.
BB
I knew Steve more many years and had many headaches to prove it! A more gentle man you could not wish to meet. And, yes! he had a wicked sense of humour and a wonderful sense of fun.
Simon I knew through his EMS work. A gentle giant, larger than life, and by his own admission "absolutly Barking!"
Both will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace guys.
BB
Did Simon fly EMS out of Blackpool before going to CHC?
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: SAR-sur-mer
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Like all others, total disbelief at this tragic loss to both the crew and passengers.
RIP, fellow aviators, and my thoughts are with all the families concerned at this terrible time.
RS
RIP, fellow aviators, and my thoughts are with all the families concerned at this terrible time.
RS
I recall showing Simon the Huey at Blackpool....him set in the seat...with a big ol' smile....telling me of his hope to be hired on at CHC.
At times like this I like to pick up my copy of "Fate is the Hunter" by Ernie Gann and read a few pages....somehow, I find it helpful.
At times like this I like to pick up my copy of "Fate is the Hunter" by Ernie Gann and read a few pages....somehow, I find it helpful.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The search for the 7th person has been called off (for the evening?).
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/arti...HELICOPTER.xml
By 16:30/17:00 both SBVs have turned south.
Its 24 hours on and water temperature must be below 5C.
http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/arti...HELICOPTER.xml
By 16:30/17:00 both SBVs have turned south.
Its 24 hours on and water temperature must be below 5C.
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: ISLE OF MAN
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When I lived on the Fylde Coast, much of my formative love of all things rotary was built on watching the big red Dauphins of Bond fly over the house on their way in and out of the rigs from Blackpool. A superb sight and sound.
Not only a big dint in the safety record of the Morecambe Bay operation, but it is the massive family cost that just can't be comprehended. Having spent quite a bit of this year talking to bereaved families following road deaths, all I can say is if you know any of them, just be there for them. Don't wait for an invitation, just get round there and do what you can for them.
It makes it all the more bewildering in aviation these days when you look at its incredible safety record. I am really sorry to hear this news. There is always a tragedy this time of year, and doubtless this is it.
God bless guys. Both the pilots and pax were ordinary men doing extraordinary things.
Not only a big dint in the safety record of the Morecambe Bay operation, but it is the massive family cost that just can't be comprehended. Having spent quite a bit of this year talking to bereaved families following road deaths, all I can say is if you know any of them, just be there for them. Don't wait for an invitation, just get round there and do what you can for them.
It makes it all the more bewildering in aviation these days when you look at its incredible safety record. I am really sorry to hear this news. There is always a tragedy this time of year, and doubtless this is it.
God bless guys. Both the pilots and pax were ordinary men doing extraordinary things.
Pilot of the Airwaves
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Close to the Med
Age: 74
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not the circumstances in which I wanted to see a picture of my wife's step brother...carrying wreckage off the Fleetwood lifeboat, where he is a crew member.
Condolences to all who have lost loved ones.
Condolences to all who have lost loved ones.
Last edited by IB4138; 28th Dec 2006 at 19:20.
Resident insomniac
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: N54 58 34 W02 01 21
Age: 79
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: West Dorset
Age: 76
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Steve Potton
I knew Steve Potton many years ago in German (when he was much younger) a happy and friendly guy. Sad news and condolences to his family and all lost in the incident. Safe journey to the stars.