Menu
03/03/2009
Irish Helicopter Crew Win Ministerial Praise After Emergency
An Irish Government Minister has paid tribute to a quick-thinking Irish Air Corps team after part of the aircraft he was travelling in literally fell off.
Mr Cullen, Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, who was not injured, was said to be badly shaken by the ordeal, but praised the actions of the crew.
They made an emergency landing after the door of the helicopter he was travelling on fell off mid-flight.
The pilot was forced to land after the left side panel of the aircraft came loose and plummeted 500ft to the ground just three minutes after taking-off from a Co Kerry racecourse.
The Minister said: "The crew were exceptionally efficient and acted superbly. Full credit should be given to them for their outstanding skill.
"At all stages the situation was under control and it is a testament to their utter professionalism as airmen."
Mr Cullen had been sitting beside the left hand door when it fell off over Killarney National Park.
Despite the scare, a second Air Corps helicopter was scrambled to bring the Minister to Dublin within hours of the accident.
(BMcC/JM)
Mr Cullen, Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, who was not injured, was said to be badly shaken by the ordeal, but praised the actions of the crew.
They made an emergency landing after the door of the helicopter he was travelling on fell off mid-flight.
The pilot was forced to land after the left side panel of the aircraft came loose and plummeted 500ft to the ground just three minutes after taking-off from a Co Kerry racecourse.
The Minister said: "The crew were exceptionally efficient and acted superbly. Full credit should be given to them for their outstanding skill.
"At all stages the situation was under control and it is a testament to their utter professionalism as airmen."
Mr Cullen had been sitting beside the left hand door when it fell off over Killarney National Park.
Despite the scare, a second Air Corps helicopter was scrambled to bring the Minister to Dublin within hours of the accident.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2024
SDLP Calls For Urgent Restoration Of North South Ministerial Council
The SDLP has called for the urgent restoration of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which it said is needed to advance all-island cooperation following the restoration of the Stormont government earlier this year.
SDLP Calls For Urgent Restoration Of North South Ministerial Council
The SDLP has called for the urgent restoration of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), which it said is needed to advance all-island cooperation following the restoration of the Stormont government earlier this year.
27 October 2022
NI Health Service To Face 'Extremely Difficult Winter'
Northern Ireland's health and social care system is facing another extremely difficult winter, Health Minister Robin Swann has warned. The Minister made the warning as he updated MLAs on the winter resilience planning being undertaken across the system.
NI Health Service To Face 'Extremely Difficult Winter'
Northern Ireland's health and social care system is facing another extremely difficult winter, Health Minister Robin Swann has warned. The Minister made the warning as he updated MLAs on the winter resilience planning being undertaken across the system.
15 October 2021
Poots Fails To Attend NSC Meeting On The Environment
A North-South Ministerial Council meeting on the environment has been unable to proceed after the DUP Environment Minister Edwin Poots failed to show up.
Poots Fails To Attend NSC Meeting On The Environment
A North-South Ministerial Council meeting on the environment has been unable to proceed after the DUP Environment Minister Edwin Poots failed to show up.
12 October 2021
DUP's North-South Ministerial Council Meetings Ruled 'Unlawful'
The DUP's boycott of the North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meetings have been ruled "unlawful" by the High Court in Belfast. Commenting on the judgement, Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA said: "The DUP's boycott was never about what was best for the people of Northern Ireland.
DUP's North-South Ministerial Council Meetings Ruled 'Unlawful'
The DUP's boycott of the North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meetings have been ruled "unlawful" by the High Court in Belfast. Commenting on the judgement, Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA said: "The DUP's boycott was never about what was best for the people of Northern Ireland.
04 June 2021
DUP To Attend Next North-South Ministerial Meeting
DUP leader Edwin Poots has said he will lead a team to the next north-south ministerial meeting on 18 June. He was speaking after meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. He said: "It would be my intention to lead the DUP team to that meeting. "I believe that there are important issues that we need to discuss and deal with.
DUP To Attend Next North-South Ministerial Meeting
DUP leader Edwin Poots has said he will lead a team to the next north-south ministerial meeting on 18 June. He was speaking after meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. He said: "It would be my intention to lead the DUP team to that meeting. "I believe that there are important issues that we need to discuss and deal with.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A mostly dry evening and night with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive, especially in the south. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
