A South Yorkshire Police helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in a field near Doncaster after developing serious technical problems during a routine flight, in a dramatic incident that could have ended much worse.
The aircraft, carrying three police officers, came down in a field off Watch House Lane in Bentley on Tuesday afternoon, sparking a major emergency response to the scene.
Miraculous Escape for Crew
Remarkably, all three officers aboard the aircraft escaped without serious injuries despite the frightening nature of the emergency landing. Emergency services rushed to the rural location following reports of the downed aircraft.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident, stating: "At around 2.20pm today, the force helicopter was required to make a precautionary landing in a field off Watch House Lane in Bentley, Doncaster, following the report of a technical fault."
Investigation Launched
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified and will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing. Aviation safety experts are expected to examine the aircraft thoroughly to determine the exact cause of the technical failure.
Local residents reported seeing the helicopter descending rapidly before landing in the field. One witness described the moment as "heart-stopping" as they watched the aircraft make its emergency descent.
Police Response and Recovery
South Yorkshire Police have secured the scene while arrangements are made to recover the aircraft. The force emphasized that no members of the public were involved or injured during the incident.
"The helicopter landed safely and no one was seriously injured," a police spokesperson confirmed. "The AAIB have been informed."
The incident highlights the inherent risks faced by police air support units who regularly undertake challenging flights across the region. The successful emergency landing demonstrates the skill of the crew in handling what could have been a catastrophic situation.
