19 years ago today...

[C]

A Chinook helicopter carrying 47 people, most of those oil rig workers crashed off the Scottish coast due to a gearbox failure. 2 survived, including the Captain...

[ozzy72]

I can remember that Gosh I'm getting old!

[Theis]

No Mark, if you were old, you coulnd't remember that

*Ducks and run*

[Hagar]

No Mark, if you were old, you coulnd't remember that

*Ducks and run*

Good one.

Seriously, I can't say I remember this unfortunate incident in any detail. There have been several similar disasters involving oil rig supply helicopters over the years but this was possibly the most serious.

[ozzy72]

The only reason I remember it was that I wanted to be either a Jaguar or helicopter pilot with the RAF... pity they still had those silly height restrictions when I joined

[Hagar]

The only reason I remember it was that I wanted to be either a Jaguar or helicopter pilot with the RAF...

I've always thought of helicopters as an accident waiting to happen. Too many whirling bits & pieces for my liking. I have no desire to fly in one.

PS. I just found out that Peter Holloway has joined the ranks of those flying egg whisk owners. Is nothing sacred?

[C]

Nice little R-44 is it not...

Never been a helo fan, particularly the twin rotor variety...

[Tweek]

Never been a helo fan, particularly the twin rotor variety...

Have you seen the RAF Chinook display?! After seeing it at Waddington this year, the Chinook became my favourite chopper!

[Hagar]

Have you seen the RAF Chinook display?! After seeing it at Waddington this year, the Chinook became my favourite chopper!

I agree that's an impressive display. The way they chuck it around must mean they're confident they finally ironed out all the bugs. The earlier Chinooks did not have the best of reputations & that's an understatement.