Menu
08/12/2005
Ground fire caused Hercules crash in Iraq
The report into the crash of an RAF Hercules in Iraq on January 30 has concluded that the aircraft was ground-to-air fire.
Defence Secretary John Reid announced that the crash, which caused the death of 10 servicemen, was a result of hostile ground-to-air fire.
Mr Reid, said that the incident shortly after the aircraft took off from Baghdad had caused an explosion in the fuel tank of the right wing that caused the loss of the outboard section of the wing making the aircraft uncontrollable.
The report found that although the aircraft was flying on a routine mission at low level in a hostile operational environment in Iraq, the crew did all they could in planning the mission to minimise the risks.
Mr Reid paid tribute to the service personnel who lost their lives in the tragedy.
He said: "The Board has made a number of recommendations which we will study closely. We have acted on some already.
"While we have to accept that any deployment of UK troops involves a degree of risk, the security of British Service men and women deployed to Iraq and elsewhere is our highest priority."
The board recommended a review of tactical daytime flights, the fitting of a fuel tank fire "inerting system" as a matter of urgency, and improvements in the process of collection and dissemination of ground to air threat intelligence.
The nature of the weapon used in the attack has not been disclosed for security reasons.
(SP/GB)
Defence Secretary John Reid announced that the crash, which caused the death of 10 servicemen, was a result of hostile ground-to-air fire.
Mr Reid, said that the incident shortly after the aircraft took off from Baghdad had caused an explosion in the fuel tank of the right wing that caused the loss of the outboard section of the wing making the aircraft uncontrollable.
The report found that although the aircraft was flying on a routine mission at low level in a hostile operational environment in Iraq, the crew did all they could in planning the mission to minimise the risks.
Mr Reid paid tribute to the service personnel who lost their lives in the tragedy.
He said: "The Board has made a number of recommendations which we will study closely. We have acted on some already.
"While we have to accept that any deployment of UK troops involves a degree of risk, the security of British Service men and women deployed to Iraq and elsewhere is our highest priority."
The board recommended a review of tactical daytime flights, the fitting of a fuel tank fire "inerting system" as a matter of urgency, and improvements in the process of collection and dissemination of ground to air threat intelligence.
The nature of the weapon used in the attack has not been disclosed for security reasons.
(SP/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 April 2012
"Loud Boom" Caused By Typhoon Aircraft
Ministry of Defence (MoD) have confirmed a ”loud bang” reported to emergency services yesterday evening was the sonic boom from a Typhoon aircraft. Emergency services across large parts of England were inundated with calls around 18:10 on Tuesday as confused residents reported hearing a “loud boom”.
"Loud Boom" Caused By Typhoon Aircraft
Ministry of Defence (MoD) have confirmed a ”loud bang” reported to emergency services yesterday evening was the sonic boom from a Typhoon aircraft. Emergency services across large parts of England were inundated with calls around 18:10 on Tuesday as confused residents reported hearing a “loud boom”.
04 July 2008
Men Walk Away From Light Aircraft Crash
Two men have escaped serious injury after their light aircraft crashed after taking off near Newport. The pilot and passenger escaped the two-seater Kiscruiser, which then caught fire. Gwent Police say the single engine Kiscruiser had taken off from Upfield Farm, Whitson intending to go to Filton.
Men Walk Away From Light Aircraft Crash
Two men have escaped serious injury after their light aircraft crashed after taking off near Newport. The pilot and passenger escaped the two-seater Kiscruiser, which then caught fire. Gwent Police say the single engine Kiscruiser had taken off from Upfield Farm, Whitson intending to go to Filton.
14 January 2015
Met Office Issues 'Be Aware' Warnings
The Met Office has issued yellow 'be aware' warnings across the UK, with gales of up to 70 mph expected along the western coast later today. Snow has already caused major disruptions the country, with schools forced to close and transport systems suspended.
Met Office Issues 'Be Aware' Warnings
The Met Office has issued yellow 'be aware' warnings across the UK, with gales of up to 70 mph expected along the western coast later today. Snow has already caused major disruptions the country, with schools forced to close and transport systems suspended.
06 August 2013
Patients Moved From Wales' Only Children's Hospital After Flooding
Flooding has forced the closure of the only dedicated children's hospital in Wales. Twenty patients of Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales in Cardiff have been moved to other facilities after torrential rainfall caused flooding on Monday afternoon.
Patients Moved From Wales' Only Children's Hospital After Flooding
Flooding has forced the closure of the only dedicated children's hospital in Wales. Twenty patients of Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales in Cardiff have been moved to other facilities after torrential rainfall caused flooding on Monday afternoon.
25 February 2009
Britain Experienced 'Coldest Winter For A Decade'
Mild weather is expected to see out what remains of winter, the Met Office has said. However, despite this, it is expected to be the coldest UK winter since 1995/96, the provisional Met figures has shown. The low temperatures have also been accompanied at times by heavy snow.
Britain Experienced 'Coldest Winter For A Decade'
Mild weather is expected to see out what remains of winter, the Met Office has said. However, despite this, it is expected to be the coldest UK winter since 1995/96, the provisional Met figures has shown. The low temperatures have also been accompanied at times by heavy snow.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Clear start with a fairly widespread frost developing. Increasing cloud brings occasionally heavy rain overnight, preceded, especially over western hills, briefly by snow. Occasional southeasterly gales, severe near coasts, developing. Minimum temperature -2 °C.
