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Helicopter missing in the Mourne Mountains, & tributes to AJ

With fatalities.:(

BBC News - 'Several dead' as helicopter crashes in Mourne Mountains

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Seems pretty serious indeed - 2 medevac helis, and 1 psni heli in attendance, multiple ground ambulances and mountain rescue teams also.

Mourne Mountains Accident

Not Haughey Air S76. We are all safely on the ground. Sincere condolences.

Terrible news. :( Sincere condolences.

Is the 109 confirmed ?

confirmed:

Quote:

Police said, however, that the exact nature of injuries was still being established after an aircraft went down in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down on Saturday.

Mountain Rescue teams and Coastguard are also involved in the search operation launched after reports that a light aircraft or helicopter had crashed at 4pm.

It is now believed a helicopter has crashed at the Leitrim Lodge picnic area near Hilltown in the mountain range.

Jim Wells, Democratic Unionist representative for the area, said the local community was shocked and now feared the worst.

''South Down has been hit by tragedies of this type over the years,'' he said. ''It looks like we have had another accident which looks like it has led to multiple deaths.''

The Mournes area is internationally renowned for its picturesque scenery. The mountain range, set on the coastline of south Co Down, is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The highest mountain in the range, Slieve Donard, is nearly 3,000 feet high.

But changeable weather patterns along the coast and the presence of the mountains have led to tragedy in the past.

In June last year three men were killed when their light aircraft crashed into a field near a private landing strip at Kilkeel, Co Down.

The pilot, Hugh McKnight, who was a 53-year-old former police officer, was returning from the TT races in the Isle of Man with Andrew Burden and Stephen Annett, both aged 24.

The coastal community has also been hit by fishing tragedies in recent years.

The death of four police officers killed when their police 4x4 vehicle crashed on a winding road near Kilkeel in November 2008 also shocked the local community.

Members of the public on Saturday spotted a helicopter in the Mournes area and believed its engine sounded abnormally loud.

The emergency services later received reports that an aircraft was in difficulties.

Chartered helicopter flights in the region are a relatively common sight, with golfing groups and wedding parties known to have used them in the past. There was no immediate confirmation of the nature of the tragic flight.

Emergency services were at the scene of the crash site on Saturday night and the area was cordoned off.

Air accident investigators have also been notified.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the area is finding it difficult to come to terms with the news.

"On behalf of the people of South Down and those I represent, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the families of the bereaved at this most tragic time," she said.

"This is a terrible reality, almost too difficult to comprehend and we can only imagine it is all too real and awful for the families bereaved.

"I'm in no doubt that the people of South Down will stand in solidarity with those that have lost loved ones and the survivors of this most terrible tragedy.

"Sincere thanks and appreciation must go to all involved in the rescue and recovery operation which could take a little time because darkness has now descended."

The MP added: "Anybody with knowledge of the local landscape should give it to the police and emergency to help the rescue operation and lessen the anxieties and distress for all involved."

Danny Kennedy, an Ulster Unionist Party representative, said: "I was shocked to hear about the crash and am deeply concerned for the people involved.

"While there are no details as yet my thoughts and prayers are with the passengers and their families who must be deeply worried at this time."

Daily Telegraph

Quote:

A number of people are feared dead after a helicopter crash in the Mourne Mountains in County Down on Saturday afternoon.
It is not known how many people were on board but local MLA Jim Wells said he believed that several had been killed.
He added that happened near in an area known locally as Leitrim Lodge between Hilltown and Rostrevor.
The aircraft is believed to have left St Angelo Airport in Enniskillen earlier on Saturday.
It is understood to be a medium-sized Agusta helicopter capable or carrying up to eight people.
Eyewitnesses first reported an aircraft in distress in the Mournes at about 1600 BST.
Police are leading the operation assisted by the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance Service.
Keiron Tourish, reporting for the BBC from the scene, said a picnic area at Leitrim Lodge had been cordoned off.
A police spokesperson said that the Air Accidents Investigation Branch had been informed.
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said she was "very saddened" to hear of the crash.
"On behalf of the people of South Down and those I represent, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the families of the bereaved at this most tragic time."

initial indications appear to be Controlled flight into terrain

BBC Northern Ireland

Here is a photo of the aircraft, taken earlier this year:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/...58579a8f_z.jpg

There's a little bit of an update on BBC News now:
BBC News - Three dead after Mourne Mountains helicopter crash

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Three people from south-east England have died in a helicopter crash in the Mourne Mountains on Saturday.
The dead are the pilot and two passengers who were in Northern Ireland for a day of shooting in County Fermanagh.
The PSNI is speaking to the Metropolitan Police about contacting the families of those who died.
Air accident investigators are due at the crash scene on Sunday morning.
The helicopter is believed to have taken off from Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, and crashed about 1600 BST on Saturday near Hilltown.
Mountain rescue teams, the Ambulance service and the Fire and Rescue Service were involved in the crash aftermath.
The helicopter crashed in an area known locally as Leitrim Lodge between Hilltown and Rostrevor.
It is understood to be a medium-sized Agusta helicopter capable of carrying up to eight people.
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said she was "very saddened" to hear of the crash.
"On behalf of the people of South Down and those I represent, I offer my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the families of the bereaved at this most tragic time."

RIP

Quote:

Initial indications appear to be Controlled flight into terrain

What initial indications are there?

ST;

No indications whatsoever. Then again I've yet to hear of a 109 that could carry 8 people (legally anyway).

Straight away the uninformed speculation starts. I don't know why the AAIB bother, they should just read the posts from the "experts" here and in the general media.

I had a text naming the pilot earlier, if it is true then that pilot is a very experienced operator.

FF

BBC TV news just now.

Weather reported to be good

Helicopter reported to be in trouble by persons on the ground, before crash.

Investigation continues

FF
The early A109s have a seating capacity of 8. That's 2 up front, of course, and three not-too-wide seats at the rear of the cabin looking forward. Most cabin configurations feature two seats, rear facing and back-to-back with the front seats. So a total of 7.

However.... Agusta (used to anyway) had a bus-seat config that was a three place, again not-very-wide, bench seat forward facing, and picking up on the same hard points for the conventional quasi 'Club' seat. It wasn't very useful, frankly, and payload in the early models meant very short flights if you had 8 up :O (Not much fuel!)

The only use I saw it ever put to was for FOIs to sit and monitor the crew's performance............

just being a pedant! :ugh: ~ VFR

Liffy

If I'm not mistaken the photo above is taken at Barton which is where I think I saw it. Terrible shame.

Joel :sad:

vfr440;

Thanks for that. You learn something new every day.

FF

Terrible news.
The heli was booked in to land at Caernarfon Airport at 1700 L and there was no sign of it. Got a departure notice that they left EGAB at 1602 L therefore they must have crashed soon after. Horrible to think I was one of the last people to speak with the pilot.

Sincere condolences from the staff at Caernarfon Airport

Anyone got any info on the pilot - please pm me. I work with a guy (757 captain) who is also am ATPL(h) and flies a private 109 out of surrey for a businessman. I don't know the reg of his machine. Condolences to all involved, won't make it any better for those concerned if it isn't my mate, but rather hoping it isn't :sad:

757_Driver, I sadly know the Pilot...he wasn't a 757 Pilot but he was a good bloke.

The pilot was named in the Daily Telegraph report: see post number 8, above.

isnt the pilot named there referring to a different accident?

Please read before you post! The pilot "named" in the Telegraph & BBC reports was the pilot of the IoM originating light aircraft which crashed in Kilkeel last June, NOT the pilot of the crashed A109. Sympathies to the families & friends of all concerned (for both accidents).

FF

I regularly flew an A109 with 8 POB (me included) for an hour and with a diversion reserve (and IFR).

Why knock it.

Not wanting to disagree with a moderator, but I am not sure the Telegraph article does name the pilot of THIS accident. It is not well written, but I rather think the named pilot related to the earlier fixed wing accident mentioned in the article.

Helinut that's how I read it as well.

Condolences to the families.

Latest on the BBC website.

Film showing the crash site.

BBC News - Three dead after Mourne Mountains helicopter crash

HB999

Typical pprune - full of rubbish. Pilots are better re-training (go and get some proper jobs you lot) ... If you want to hear something truthful, watch the BBC News ... :eek:

Condolences to families of all concerned,i was flying not far from this area at the time and there was low cloud on mountain tops, RIP

My apologies: I misread the Telegraph report :\

And yes, I have often operated A109's with 8 POB, but generally not a lot of range to go with the payload!

Quote:

FF
I regularly flew an A109 with 8 POB (me included) for an hour and with a diversion reserve (and IFR).
Why knock it.

Me too. Although this mark couldn't do it, later, more powerful versions can.

Unfortunately the BBC seem to have copied the Telegraph.

Aircraft accidents

When did the media ever report objectively about helicopter accidents? They always have a knack for sensation and lust when it comes to these things :mad:

Quote:

In June last year?

Different accident.

Condolences to the pilot and passengers' families.

Acft was Redhill based, and well looked after. Pilot was experienced.

I tend to ignore eye witnesses, without an H rating, who comment on engine noise before an incident.

Debris field suggests high energy impact. The Mourne Mntns can be tricky. Has anyone got reliable METAR?

Very sad.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/m...h_1745945c.jpg

Very tragic.

More info at Princes William and Harry 'shocked' after Charles Stisted killed in helicopter crash | Mail Online

Quote:

Princes William and Harry were in deep shock last night after a friend of the Royal Family was killed in a helicopter crash.
Charlie Stisted, 47 was one of three men returning home from a hunting trip when their aircraft came down in County Down, Northern Ireland yesterday afternoon.

Mr Stisted was head of the Guards Polo Club - whose president is the Duke of Edinburgh - and was a close friend of the Prince of Wales and Princes William and Harry.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/...90_468x402.jpg Royal connections: Charles Stisted with the Duke of Edinburgh
Last night a Clarence House spokesman said: 'The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and Prince Harry are all shocked and deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy.
'Their Royal Highnesses thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed at this dreadful time.'

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/...54_468x501.jpg Tragic: Ian Wooldridge, pictured with the Queen at the Queen's Cup polo tournament at Guards Polo Club last year

Also killed in the crash were construction tycoon Ian Wooldridge and the pilot of the stricken craft. Mr Wooldridge was another polo enthusiast who had links to the Royal Family.
A member of the public had reported the aircraft being in distress over the Mourne mountain range in County Down and rescue teams found the wreckage.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/...92_468x311.jpg Shocked: Crash victim Charlie Stisted was chief executive of the Guards Polo Club and a good friend of Princes William and Harry

Air accident investigators were yesterday beginning a probe into Saturday’s crash – the latest in a series of tragedies to blight the remote region.
Relatives at Mr Wooldridge’s family estate in Windlesham, Surrey, were devastated yesterday at the death of the businessman, who with his 50-year-old brother Graham, ran a £40million-a-year firm specialising in demolition and construction.
A worker at the 230-acre Twelve Oaks estate said the family would not be speaking to anyone about what had happened.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/...81_468x307.jpg Doomed: An Agusta helicopter similar to the one in which Mr Stisted, Mr Wooldridge and a third man were killed

At the home of Julie Fereday, Mr Wooldridge’s ex-partner and the mother of his 21-year-old son, Charlie, a friend said she was ‘in mourning’ and was not making any comment.

Speaking from the doorstep of the terraced house in Crowthorne, Berkshire, the friend said they had been informed of the tragedy by police in Northern Ireland.
Mr Wooldridge was a keen polo player and active member of the Guards club, where the Prince of Wales and Princes William and Harry are regular participants.
Through his links with Irish construction giants the Harcourt Group he set up a lucrative sponsorship deal for the sport’s prestigious Queen’s Cup, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.
He was also a sponsor of his local football team – Windlesham United – and provided their team strip for games.
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, who visited rescue teams at the site, said: ‘The local community is in absolute shock.’
In June last year three men were killed when their plane crashed into a field near a private landing strip at Kilkeel, County Down.

EGAC (Belfast City 25 miles away) at 15.20 UTC Saturday was 01012KT, 9k, FEW017 SCT023. Seems Mourne mountains in area of accident 2200ft ish tops.

I think I'd be pissed off if I owned EI-DJO

Quite agree -although the caption says "similar" you would think 5 seconds spent with imaging software to erase the registration is not unreasonable?

This happens frequently with media reporting of aircraft accidents

Recently I recall they had a photo of the WRONG type with reg clear to see:ugh:

I am surprised this wasn't a two-crew job, given the 'VIP' nature of the passengers. I wouldn't have thought cost was an issue.

My thoughts are with the families of the passengers and also the Pilot!, not much has been mentioned about the poor pilot, RIP.

Also why show a picture of a 109E when there are plenty of pictures of N2NR on the web.

In light twins (355s, 135s, 109s) and singles single pilot operation is not only perfectly acceptable but usually sensible, providing that pilot is well qualified, experienced and competent. There is surely rarely any situation in which flying workload makes a second pilot highly desirable, but what is certain is that the extra 85kg odd of pilot will always reduce some or all of payload available, climb performance, cruise speed and particularly range. Given an IFR trip I'd usually take fuel over a second pilot, for sure! But there again, I do accept the company can be nice! Of course medium twins are obviously different with a P2 having less influence on all the above.

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Understood, but in my opinion, two pilots will always be safer than two engines. Most accidents are weather related, or as a result of the pilot making and error of judgement and getting the aircraft into an unsafe configuration (eg overpitching), or hitting something. Another pilot there to monitor and help out would lessen those risks.