Horror as £30m SAS helicopter crashes moments before flight to Cyprus after major failure
The Chinook helicopter was about to travel to Cyprus prior to helping rescue British citizens stuck in Lebanon.
A military helicopter crashed just after it took off, apparently as a result of engine failure.
The SAS Chinook was scheduled to fly to Cyprus until its turbo engine exploded, leaving smoke billowing from the aircraft.
The Chinook had been hovering above RAF Odiham in Hampshire - the home of the Special Forces flight - on Friday, ready for two others to join it in formation prior to the voyage.
The pilots were able to swerve away from the runway before smashing into a grassy verge beside it and avoiding a collision with the other Chinooks.
The aircraft - worth £30million - was badly damaged but thankfully there were no injuries, reports The Sun.
One insider admitted: “This could have led to a loss of aircraft and life.”
The cause of the crash is still being investigated – but other aircraft have not been taken out of service.
SAS troops in Cyprus are preparing to rescue Brits currently trapped in Lebanon.
An RAF spokesman said: “A Chinook suffered engine failure and is in for repair.
“There is no impact to the rest of the fleet.”
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The RAF's Chinook helicopter is a versatile and powerful heavy-lift aircraft, playing a vital role in British military operations since its introduction in the early 1980s.
Known for its twin rotors, which provide superior lifting capacity, the Chinook is capable of transporting troops, vehicles, and cargo in some of the most challenging environments.
Its robust design allows it to operate in extreme weather conditions and over diverse terrains, from the mountains of Afghanistan to the rainforests of Sierra Leone.
The Chinook's ability to perform multiple roles, including medical evacuation, disaster relief, and frontline combat support, has made it a cornerstone of the RAF's transport fleet.
With a maximum speed of around 170 knots and a range of over 400 nautical miles, the Chinook offers the RAF exceptional mobility and flexibility in both domestic and international missions.
The aircraft has undergone several upgrades over the years, with modern variants such as the HC6A featuring advanced avionics and improved defensive systems.
This enables the Chinook to maintain relevance in modern warfare, adapting to new threats and operational requirements.
Whether used for humanitarian aid or military logistics, the Chinook is generally seen as a symbol of reliability and strength within the RAF, capable of executing complex missions across the globe.
