Probe into helicopter incident

Probe into helicopter incident

The Puma was from RAF Aldergrove

An inquiry has begun after a Royal Air Force helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing while on a low flying training exercise.

The incident happened in Argyll and Bute, 15 miles south of Oban, near Lochgilphead.

The three crew on board the Puma helicopter, which was from RAF Aldergrove in Belfast, were not injured.

An RAF spokesman said: "The helicopter was on a low-flying exercise when a length of cable appears to have ruptured or put a hole in the fuel tank.

"It landed in a field near the Crinan canal."

The crew tried to stem the flow of fuel into the field and were aided by Strathclyde Fire Brigade.

The Puma, from 230 Squadron, was either going to be repaired at the scene, flown back to Belfast or taken away.

An RAF Board of Inquiry will be convened.