Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, July 22
SINGAPORE: Pilot error was the reason the Super Puma AS 332 helicopter crash landed at Sembawang Airbase on May 21 this year, according to a written statement by Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean.
No one was injured.
The minister gave this update in reply to a written question by Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Indranee Rajah.
Mr Teo explained that a junior pilot was training in the aircraft that day.
As the RSAF aircraft lifted off the ground, the pilot experienced a left yaw, where the nose of the helicopter swung to the left.
As he focused on correcting the yaw, he did not increase the power of the aircraft, as was required.
The helicopter lost height, hit the ground and rolled over in a matter of seconds — the senior pilot supervising him was thus unable to take control of the aircraft.
Since then, the junior pilot has resumed flight training and the Squadron has also put other pilots on an enhancement programme with increased supervision and simulator training to keep flying competency at a high level. — CNA/yb
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