Helicopter hit lamp-post before crashing
Tuesday, 14 October 2008 11:59
An investigation into a helicopter crash in Co Meath in September has found that the aircraft struck a lamp-post as it attempted to land in a car park.
The Sikorsky helicopter was being moved to the car park in Bettystown after it initially landed on the beach around 100 metres away.
The pilot became concerned about a growing number of people gathering to look at the aircraft and moved it.
A preliminary report from the Air Accident Investigation Unit found that the helicopter's main rote disintegrated as soon as it struck the 1.83m (6ft) high lamp-post. The aircraft burst into flames almost immediately on impact.
The pilot escaped injury but two bystanders received minor injuries. The report claims that considerable collateral damage to adjoining properties resulted.
To date no technical problem has been detected, according to investigators.
Tuesday, 14 October 2008 11:59
An investigation into a helicopter crash in Co Meath in September has found that the aircraft struck a lamp-post as it attempted to land in a car park.
The Sikorsky helicopter was being moved to the car park in Bettystown after it initially landed on the beach around 100 metres away.
The pilot became concerned about a growing number of people gathering to look at the aircraft and moved it.
A preliminary report from the Air Accident Investigation Unit found that the helicopter's main rote disintegrated as soon as it struck the 1.83m (6ft) high lamp-post. The aircraft burst into flames almost immediately on impact.
The pilot escaped injury but two bystanders received minor injuries. The report claims that considerable collateral damage to adjoining properties resulted.
To date no technical problem has been detected, according to investigators.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1014/bettystown.html
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