Chopper crew facing the music

An Alouette helicopter flight crew is in "deep trouble" if reports by witnesses prove true, said a former air-force helicopter instructor on Friday.

The air force confirmed on Friday that an Alouette from the Bloemspruit airbase, where the air force's helicopter-flying school is based, had had to make a "forced landing" outside Harrismith.

Two of the four crew on board were lightly injured. A commission of inquiry will determine the cause of the accident.

The former instructor said: "Every flight is noted in an authorisation book. According to this, the route, minimum height and any manoeuvres are authorised according to specific guidelines.

"No authorisation will provide for a landing to buy take-aways.

"And, if it's true that the pilot gave the people on the ground a small air show, the helicopter commander is in even bigger trouble.

Manoeuvres or shows can take place only under specific circumstances with a minimum height restriction and not in built-up areas.

Can be fined

"If it appears a commander has deviated from the authorised route, he or she might be fined or a count of reckless or negligent behaviour placed on his or her flying record.

"He or she will probably also not be allowed to fly in the near future - at least until a commission of inquiry has been completed.

"If a commander was an instructor of a helicopter-flying school and the helicopter was on a training flight, his transgression would be viewed in an even-more serious light.

'Can easily end in disaster'

"This is when he or she is teaching a student how to fly and how not to fly.

"There are no pills against stupidity. No pilot is allowed to be in contempt of flight safety - especially if the public is put in danger.

"An unforeseen problem can very easily end in disaster for a cowboy performance.

The instructor said: "If the guys did what the witnesses claim, they need to be made an example of."

News24