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