11/01/2007

Helicopter collision investigation launched

An investigation has been launched following a mid-air collision between two military helicopters which left one person dead and three people injured.

The two Squirrel aircraft collided at an airfield at RAF Tern Hill, Shropshire, just before 3pm on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that two personnel were onboard each aircraft. It is understood that John Garnons Williams, 60, a civilian pilot from Shrewsbury was killed.

One of the other casualties suffered serious injuries, reported to be facial fractures and a head injury, and was airlifted to hospital, while the other two personnel involved are thought to have minor injuries.

The aircraft were both based at the nearby Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury. One helicopter was from the Central Flying School, while the other was from 660 Squadron, one of the training squadrons at the Defence Helicopter Flying School.

RAF Tern Hill is a reserve landing ground for the flying school.

The Squirrel is a two-seat basic flying-trainer helicopter, which is used to train pilots from all three military services.

A Board of Inquiry has been set up to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

(KMcA/EF)


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