my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the 2 people killed.

There is never a good time to read news like this, but how particularly poignant at this time of year.

I can only echo the sentiments above, and convey our sympathies to the families.

There but for the grace....

Nothing more I can add to the many condolances already posted.
To the families and friends my deepest sympathy.
As a Former 655 member i wish all of those in 665 the best and hope they can get through this difficult time.
More information from those in the know please as the national news seems to have forgotten this tragic event already.

RIP:(

RIP guys.
When/if the names are made public can someone post them on here as there are alot of people on here with mates over there.

A sad day. Two more aviators "VMC on top".
The thoughts of the Cooper family are with those of the family and friends of two who were lost.
I trust that the Jock Nag will swing when the time is right, I'm sure that the whoever was involved would not want festivities to cease.

My deepest sympathies to all those freinds and families invovled in this tragic event, our thoughts are with you.

RIP guys.

A very sad day indeed, my sincere thoughts go to the families involved. It is ironic that my brother in law was killed in a Lynx crash in Bosnia 5 years ago to the day !!!!

Sad times but at least they where doing something they loved.

Enuff Said

Hog

A good good friend is lost, I'm inconsolable..my thoughts are truly with his wife and children..christmas is cancelled for me. Also my heartfelt sympathies go out to the family of the young officer whose life has been cruely taken.

Sleep well mate

This really really sucks

:(
Very sad news indeed, my heart felt sympathy to friends and family at this sad time. RIP chaps.

Names now released on DefenseNet

RIP Guys

The names have now been released at;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3342373.stm

The Ac Comd was Sergeant Simon Bennett, 35, a married father-of- three from Telford in Shropshire.

The pilot was Captain Andrew Nicoll, 27, who was single and from Grantham in Lincolnshire.

RIP

I have a photo of Si Bennett flying a Squirrel, msg or email if you want a copy. Can't figure out how to post it on this topic.

:{ :sad: :{

http://www.utv.co.uk/newsroom/indepth.asp?pt=n&id=40842

The names released today are

Capt Andrew Nicoll
SGT Simon Bennett

God Bless You and Your loved ones

May you rest in Peace

Condolences to the family,friends and fellow squadron members of the crew - my thoughts are with you.

I must also add that the UTV report on the link posted by NURSE contains some extremely cheap and insensitive political soundbites from the local SDLP councillor....he should be bloody well ashamed of himself.:mad:

X-QUORK
What do you expect? The SDLP/Sinn Fein can be relied upon to try to make political mileage from anything like this.

I await the findings of the investigation with trepidation. There but for the grace of [insert deity here] go I.

[edited because my hands are shaking too much to type properly]

To echo so many others sentiments,

Rest Peacefully.

Deepest Condolences to all affected families.


At the going down of the sun, and in the morning...


.....We Will Remember Them.

Mechanical Failure the Cause of Copter Crash
Jan 2 2004

A HELICOPTER crash in which two Army pilots were killed outside Londonderry last month was caused by mechanical failure, it emerged yesterday.

The Gazelle aircraft came down in a field near City of Derry Rugby Club, in Gransha, on December 22.

The two pilots, 27-yearold Captain Andrew Nicoll, from Grantham in Lincolnshire and Sergeant Simon Bennett, 35, a married father-of-three from Telford in Shropshire, were killed instantly.

The Gazelle had been on a routine flight from Omagh in Co Tyrone, nearly 40 miles from the crash scene, and was destined for Ballykelly Army base.

The initial investigation has been completed but a full report on the crash is not expected until later this year.

It is understood the report has blamed mechanical failure for the crash.

The two soldiers, who were part of 5 Regiment Army Air Corps, will be buried in England later this month.

Eyewitnesses described the aircraft as "spiralling out of control".

Investigators spent several days examining the wreckage at the scene before moving it to England for further examination.

They also looked at air traffic control tapes from nearby City of Derry Airport to try to establish what happened in the moments before the crash.

An Army spokesman said they would not be commenting until the full report has been completed.

The Gazelle's primary role is observation and reconnaissance.

It is also used in a wide variety of supporting roles.

More than 1,000 Gazelles are in service with the armed forces and civil aviation organisations throughout the world.

icnorthernireland.icnetwork.co.uk/news

It was debatable whether to post this, as the vague comments that the information had "emerged yesterday" and that "it is understood" have no source cited.

Helicopter Crash 22/12/2003
 

:{ I am the wife of Sgt Simon Bennett the pilot who was killed in the Gazelle helicopter crash on 22/12/03 in NI. I noticed from reading the messages that 'Paddy Don't Surf' has a picture of Simon flying in Squirrel. Is there any chance you could send me a copy for the kids. Much appreciated. Thanks.


Debbie
I hope you don't mind, but I've removed your address because I'm worried about it being posted on a public forum. I'm one of the forum moderators - I've made a note of your address and I'll send the photograph on to you as soon as it's available.

I know I'm speaking for all members of this forum when I express my heartfelt sympathy to you and your children. Loss of life is always sad but when a helicopter pilot loses his life in an accident we feel it all the more because, whether or not we knew Simon personally, he was one of us.

Heliport


Will 'Paddy Don't Surf' or anyone else with a photograph of Simon please contact me asap.
Thanks.

Mrs Bennett (Debbie?),

Please allow me, in common with all the other folk posting on the forum, offer my very sincere condolences on your tragic loss.

I also hope you get your photo and I'm sure you will, but I think it's perhaps not a good idea to post your personal address on the website. Perhaps better to edit it out; you can always communicate via a private message.

Best regards, from an ex-RAF NI pilot.

Shyt

I'm pleased to report that 'Paddy Don't Surf' has a number of photographs of Simon which will be sent to Debbie.

Heliport