Shropshire Star

Engine failure linked to helicopter crash near Shrewsbury

Engine failure led to a helicopter crash near Shrewsbury, a report has found.

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The Jet Ranger craft came down in a field next to a farm in Upper Edgebold at 5.15pm on Friday, October 4.

Substantial damage was caused to the helicopter but the 61-year-old pilot, who escaped the wreckage through the broken front windscreen, sustained only a minor injury and did not need hospital treatment.

Now a report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has said the engine failure happened because of a damaged turbine bearing, most likely caused by oil starvation.

The first indications of high turbine temperature occurred while the helicopter was 800 ft above ground level. The pilot decided to make a precautionary landing but when the problem had appeared to resolve itself during the approach, he decided to continue flying as his destination was only a few miles away.

But as the helicopter climbed away, the engine failed.

The report said: "The pilot carried out a forced landing during which the tail boom struck the ground. During the ensuing forced landing the helicopter rolled over, coming to rest on its side. The pilot, who sustained a minor injury, was able to escape through the broken front windscreen and called the emergency services by mobile telephone."

It added: "He candidly commented that, on reflection, it would have been better to continue with the precautionary landing."

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