Vol. 509 No. 4
62 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there was almost a second disaster involving an Air Corps helicopter in County Waterford on 10 October 1999; if this indicates that Air Corps crafts are out of date and that a new fleet is required immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20582/99]
On 10 October 1999, the search and rescue crew in Waterford, using an Alouette helicopter, was tasked with the recovery of an injured woman who had fallen down a cliff at Ardmore Head. The casualty was located on a ledge at the base of a 150 foot high cliff. Around ten people were with the casualty. She had been transferred to a spinal board and was receiving treatment. The location of the casualty meant that a lift using the hoist on the helicopter would be required. The winchman was winched out and as the helicopter approached the overhead position a foil – thermal – blanket, which was covering the casualty, lifted into the air. The aircraft commander observed this but, owing to the critical phase of the approach, with the winchman on the cable, avoiding action was not possible. The aircraft commander then lost sight of the blanket. It would appear that the blanket became enmeshed in the main rotor for a short period of time and subsequently tore away. The aircraft was moved away from the cliff face and the winch operator commenced winching in the winchman. Once the winchman was aboard, the aircraft was landed and inspected. No significant damage was found.
The helicopter crew then went on foot to access the casualty. The winchman abseiled down the cliff face and confirmed the urgent need to transfer the casualty to hospital. It was decided to re-start the helicopter and, provided that it performed satisfactorily, complete the lift of the casualty and transfer to hospital. This was carried out successfully. The age of the aircraft is not relevant to the incident as any helicopter could have been affected in the same way.
