Morecambe Bay helo down
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 273
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From: The Netherlands
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.
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
From: Up north
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
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 42
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From: Stuck on 50:30 North
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
Joined: May 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 18,633
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From: Downeast
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.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: The Netherlands
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.
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 780
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From: ISLE OF MAN
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
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 914
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From: Close to the Med
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 December 2006 at 19:20.
Thread Starter
Resident insomniac
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: N54 58 34 W02 01 21
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: West Dorset
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.