MoD Information

RAF Helicopter Crashes in Field

Wed, January 15, 2003

Source: Ananova News

An RAF helicopter has been extensively damaged after crashing in a field in Oxfordshire.(Library picture)

An RAF helicopter has been extensively damaged after crashing in a field in Oxfordshire. The helicopter, which is believed to be based at RAF Benson, near Wallingford, south of Oxford, came down in Abingdon.

Crews from Oxfordshire Ambulance Service were alerted just after 2pm, but were later stood down after there were no reports of injuries.

A spokesman said: "We had a call at about 2.08pm to attend the aircraft, an RAF Puma, which had crashed in a field off the Drayton Road, in Abingdon.

"We attended with two paramedic ambulances and two officers. We have now stood them down. There are no casualties that we are aware of at this time.

"I understand the RAF put a second machine down after the incident and removed the crew back to base."

He added four people were believed to have been on board at the time of the crash.

Puma helicopters are used as troop carriers to evacuate casualties and as gunships. A total of 15 Pumas are assigned to 33 Squadron, based at RAF Benson.