R22 accident in south of France
 

heard rumours of a G-registered aircraft crashing in the South of France near Grasse earlier today.

does anyone have any information on this.

owner based in Essex UK.

Thanks

R22 accident in south of France
 

The Dauphiné Libéré reports 2 fatalities in a G registered R22 crash en route from Sospel to Avignon.

France/Monde | Nouveau crash d'hélicoptère

Nice Matin has more details and names at photograph # 2.

Tragically, this appears to be active members of this site - no details so far

What sad news.

It does according to the article seem to be a well known member here, I sincerely hope the article is wrong.

Regardless of who it is may they RIP.

GS

Top fellers both of them,
had some great times with them.

Not forgetting the Heli Air Monaco AS 350B2 the evening before as well.....................trois mort!

I am absolutely gutted.

I've always been aware that if we play this helicopter game for long enough, we will lose colleagues and acquaintances. I've lost several myself over the years, but the biggest difference with this tragic accident, is it's the first time I've ever lost true friends.

Both of these men were passionate about flying, and I know it's a cliche, but it's comforting for me to know they lost their lives doing what they loved doing. They flew for fun, not 'professionally', in the sense we would normally associate with the term. Nevertheless, they were very professional in their flying, and 'can do' in their outlook. Although very different charachters, they complimented each other hugely. As individuals and as a pair, they will be sorely missed by many in the GA helicopter community.

I count myself extremely lucky to have been fortunate enough to have had the great pleasure and honour of knowing these two men and having been able to share some of their infectious passion for helicopter flying. Between them, through our collective involvement with the Helicopter Club, they taught me about enjoying flying and it is this lesson that I have subsequently always tried to instill in all with whom I fly.

My sincere condolencies and best wishes to the families and loved ones left behind.

John Jackson 'JJ'

JJ

Agree with your words 100%.

Missing two real gentlemen and great friends.

Sincere condolences to both families.

AN

JJ, devastating news, two of the nicest guys I have ever met and I am privileged to have known them both. I have had the sad task of passing the news round some foreign friends, its a very sad day for aviation!!! They were in Belarus recently and where watchng while Gunther Zimmer crashed, they where both quite shaken it did bring home to them for the first time how easy it is to crash!!
They were travelling from Cuneo to deliver another R22 but I didnt know where it happened. I still cannot take it in that they will no longer be around, never saw then once with a sad or angry face, always had a smile for you!!!

Sincere condolences doesnt seem to be enough but I cant think of anything that better describes how I feel!!!!!

Colin

I am truly stunned .... and can only echo JJ's words at the moment.

Great guys and their family and friends have my deepest sympathies.

Whirls

For unknown reasons, two 'Gentlemen' of the heli world have been taken.

We had the pleasure of knowing them and sharing in their stories and adventures. Both will be sadly missed including the hat.

Very sad day for Aviation.

My thoughts and prayers goto the families at this time.

RIP

JM (Keepitup)

2 great guys and very good pilots RIP

Long shot, but I'm pretty sure I met these chaps at Carlisle a few weeks back (27 Oct), ferrying a 22 down from Scotland with a 44 riding 'shotgun'. Can someone confirm or deny?

Sad news.

I've just heard about this whilst abroad, i'm absolutely gutted, I knew Martin quite well and Simon 'by association' with Martin. Two fantastic characters that brightened the lives of those involved in the helicopter community.

I'm proud to have known them both.

Devastated, my thoughts are with friends and family.

Joel

Really sad news,never met Martin but had quite alot of conversations on the phone with him, seemed a character!


RIP

RIP chaps!

I can't believe this. I only knew Martin and had flown with him many times - very professional pilot and he taught me a lot.
A great loss.
R.I.P

Same for me. I only met Martin once at Helitech 2009 and we had a very nice, but short chat. My sincere condolences to the close ones and to all those who knew them better than I did.

eivissa.