MoD Squirrel down: May 2008
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MoD Squirrel down: May 2008
Sky News reporting a military Lynx helicopter has crashed in Devon, injuring two crew members.[URL="http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1317565,00.html"]
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Local TV reports that the Squirrel descended into power lines with blue flash. Pieces of a door or doors have been found some distance from the fuselage.
Last edited by Oldlae; 29th May 2008 at 17:58.
Yes, tragically two crew have been killed in an Defence Flying Training School Squirrel. Not sure of the background, or whether this was a training sortie, but looks as if they may have hit power cables - Certainly the crash brought down some power lines, or they were switched off to allow recovery at the scene.
Accident site was in Devon. See this report from the BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7426231.stm
As always, a terrible loss.
Accident site was in Devon. See this report from the BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7426231.stm
As always, a terrible loss.
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Does the reg matter? The MOD didn't purchase anything so I don't know where that came from. When I started flying them at Shawbury, the company owned them and they were all pretty new or actually new. I am sure that it is unintentional from you, but most people asking for news are trying to see how the crew are, not the aircraft registration number.
All the Military Squirrels are factory new.
If the aircraft was in Devon it is probably from the School of Army Aviation at Middle Wallop and taking part on the final tactical exercise of the Army pilot's course.
My thoughts are with the family and friends.
FNW
If the aircraft was in Devon it is probably from the School of Army Aviation at Middle Wallop and taking part on the final tactical exercise of the Army pilot's course.
My thoughts are with the family and friends.
FNW
reg certainley does'nt matter, 2 ex civ Sq's have been bought but they are still being fitted out at Shawbury.
There is another thread on this accident in Military Aircrew.
The two crew, RIP, are named in www.bbc.co.uk/devon look for "More" news stories.
The two crew, RIP, are named in www.bbc.co.uk/devon look for "More" news stories.
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All the Military Squirrels are factory new.
I understand ZJ247 was the one involved in Devon
ppheli,
Been a while since I left there but it makes sense that they need to replace the two lost last year and I think the AS350BB was a special production run.
Maybe taking a while as they need to move the throttle onto the collective and converting aircraft isn't something they do every day.
But all this is an aside to the sad fact that two aviators lost their lives and two families are mourning the loss of loved ones.
RIP both and condolences to the families.
FNW
Been a while since I left there but it makes sense that they need to replace the two lost last year and I think the AS350BB was a special production run.
Maybe taking a while as they need to move the throttle onto the collective and converting aircraft isn't something they do every day.
But all this is an aside to the sad fact that two aviators lost their lives and two families are mourning the loss of loved ones.
RIP both and condolences to the families.
FNW
Maybe taking a while as they need to move the throttle onto the collective and converting aircraft isn't something they do every day.
A coroner has called for power lines in low flying zones to have high visibility markings following the death of two army helicopter pilots.
BBC News - Devon army helicopter crash brings power cable markings call
Warrant Officer Class 2 Vince Hussell, 36, of Marton-le-Moor, North Yorkshire, was instructing Lt Mark Reynolds, 24, of Aslockton, near Nottingham.
Their helicopter hit 33,000 volt power lines in Kingscott, near Torrington, north Devon, on 29 May 2008.
Coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland recorded a narrative verdict.
The men were in a Squirrel helicopter on a flight from 670 Army Air Corps Squadron in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.
The inquest at County Hall, Exeter, heard that 130ft (40m) high copper lines had oxidized and turned green, making them invisible against the background of a heavily wooded valley.
Dr Earland said: "Even though the presence of the lines was known, they were impossible to see in some lights. I consider this to have been a crucial factor in these deaths.
"The pilots did not realise the height of the lines. It is important for military aviators to be allowed every opportunity to fly low as they prepare for combat.
"She recommended better contact between the military and the utility companies and called for power lines in areas used for low flying training to be marked.
Lt Reynolds' father Col Mike Reynolds, said after the inquest that "existing rules seemed more concerned with protecting birds than aviators".
"We hope the recommendations of this inquest and the Army board of inquiry will be implemented without delay," he added.Western Power Distribution, which maintains the power lines, said the inquest's recommendations would be examined.
Their helicopter hit 33,000 volt power lines in Kingscott, near Torrington, north Devon, on 29 May 2008.
Coroner Dr Elizabeth Earland recorded a narrative verdict.
The men were in a Squirrel helicopter on a flight from 670 Army Air Corps Squadron in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.
The inquest at County Hall, Exeter, heard that 130ft (40m) high copper lines had oxidized and turned green, making them invisible against the background of a heavily wooded valley.
Dr Earland said: "Even though the presence of the lines was known, they were impossible to see in some lights. I consider this to have been a crucial factor in these deaths.
"The pilots did not realise the height of the lines. It is important for military aviators to be allowed every opportunity to fly low as they prepare for combat.
"She recommended better contact between the military and the utility companies and called for power lines in areas used for low flying training to be marked.
Lt Reynolds' father Col Mike Reynolds, said after the inquest that "existing rules seemed more concerned with protecting birds than aviators".
"We hope the recommendations of this inquest and the Army board of inquiry will be implemented without delay," he added.Western Power Distribution, which maintains the power lines, said the inquest's recommendations would be examined.
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Good luck to them. We tried internally (at WPD) to get the lines near Castle Air in Cornwall more visible but were completely ignored. Don't think the MOD will fare much better for other lines.
Phil
Phil
