Helicopter crashes into field in Devon

Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Here 'n' there!

Joined: Dec 2006
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From: UK and MALTA
Shy it is an odd impact. The MRBs look “Stacked”, typical of a roll over with the NR high. But the TRBs look relatively undamaged and no ground scoring to indicate the were rotating when the hub met the ground. Obviously a serious fire either prior to or as a result of impact. Looks like engineers parts ejected to the port side. The AAIB will no doubt unravel the sequence. Sad day for the families.


Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Den Haag

Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Anglia
I am truly sad at this occurrence and for the families and colleagues of the lost crew.
However, it is obvious that the Rotors weren’t turning? The TRBs are relatively intact but should be bent from hitting the ground - same with the visible MRBs, not bent or broken. The very small crash site indicates a practically vertical descent. The last time I saw this there was doubt about the fuel status but the fire indicates fuel was there…My apologies for this speculation.
However, it is obvious that the Rotors weren’t turning? The TRBs are relatively intact but should be bent from hitting the ground - same with the visible MRBs, not bent or broken. The very small crash site indicates a practically vertical descent. The last time I saw this there was doubt about the fuel status but the fire indicates fuel was there…My apologies for this speculation.
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From: NYC
The 61 Accident Report
Cause was an Engine Bearing failure that led to an uncontrolled fire and a Crew decision to make an Immediate Emergency Landing.
https://skybrary.aero/sites/default/...kshelf/382.pdf
Cause was an Engine Bearing failure that led to an uncontrolled fire and a Crew decision to make an Immediate Emergency Landing.
https://skybrary.aero/sites/default/...kshelf/382.pdf

Joined: Dec 2009
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From: uk
I’m a ex engineer so not ignorant of aviation or the dangers and feel for all involved. Sqdn personal will be hugely impacted and I hope being appropriately supported. I’ve deleted the remainder as it was unknowingly the wrong aircraft.
Last edited by Misformonkey; 3rd June 2026 at 18:52. Reason: Incorrect aircraft
Joined: Jun 2022
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From: UK
[img alt="I’m a ex engineer so not ignorant of aviation or the dangers and feel for all involved. Sqdn personal will be hugely impacted and I hope being appropriately supported.
I’ve uploaded the profile as will already be available. That altitude change is constant, speed changes not so. The post crash pictures show an intact tail rotor assembly, would the profile look like a tail rotor drive failure and constant decent and managing airspeed?"]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/920x2000/img_0393_a70447e20da831461682321bc199c50bd9aa49a4.png[/img]
I’m a ex engineer so not ignorant of aviation or the dangers and feel for all involved. Sqdn personal will be hugely impacted and I hope being appropriately supported. I’ve uploaded the profile as will already be available. That altitude change is constant, speed changes not so. The post crash pictures show an intact tail rotor assembly, would the profile look like a tail rotor drive failure and constant decent and managing airspeed?

I’ve uploaded the profile as will already be available. That altitude change is constant, speed changes not so. The post crash pictures show an intact tail rotor assembly, would the profile look like a tail rotor drive failure and constant decent and managing airspeed?"]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/920x2000/img_0393_a70447e20da831461682321bc199c50bd9aa49a4.png[/img]
I’m a ex engineer so not ignorant of aviation or the dangers and feel for all involved. Sqdn personal will be hugely impacted and I hope being appropriately supported. I’ve uploaded the profile as will already be available. That altitude change is constant, speed changes not so. The post crash pictures show an intact tail rotor assembly, would the profile look like a tail rotor drive failure and constant decent and managing airspeed?



Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Canada
A tragic event.
We can only mourn those lost and think of their grieving family, friends and squadron mates.
It be appropriate to delay speculation for at least a few days until facts are known.
We can only mourn those lost and think of their grieving family, friends and squadron mates.
It be appropriate to delay speculation for at least a few days until facts are known.
Last edited by albatross; 3rd June 2026 at 20:20.

Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Oxford
Assuming the graphic is correct, ZJ119 was c/s Sword2, as Ammo Boiler points out. ZJ131 was c/s Sword1. The accident site is just over 900ft amsl. The posted graphic (if correct) would appear to show Sword2 orbiting the accident site.









