An investigation is underway after an air ambulance was forced to ditch into a loch in the Highlands of Scotland. The Scottish Ambulance Service confirmed that the aircraft made a safe but unexpected landing on Loch Torridon on Thursday due to adverse local weather conditions.
There were no patients on board at the time, and both the pilot and crew members are reported to be safe and well. The incident occurred while the helicopter was en route to an emergency call in Applecross.
Details of the Incident
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has deployed a multi-disciplinary team to examine the circumstances surrounding the ditching of the EC145 helicopter. According to an AAIB spokesperson, the team includes inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, engineering, and recorded data. They have been tasked with gathering evidence and conducting inquiries into the event.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service elaborated: “Whilst en-route to an emergency call in Applecross, one of our helicopters had to make a safe but unexpected landing in Torridon due to local weather conditions. There was no patient on board, and the pilot and SAS crew are safe and well. A Basics Scotland doctor was dispatched to the emergency call in Applecross and remained with the patient until an ambulance arrived.”
Coastguard Response
HM Coastguard was alerted to the situation at approximately 12:35 pm on 7 May. A coastguard spokesperson confirmed that all individuals on board the helicopter were safe and well following the emergency landing at Upper Loch Torridon.
The AAIB has commenced a formal investigation to determine the cause of the ditching and to ensure any necessary safety measures are implemented. The incident highlights the challenges faced by emergency services operating in remote and weather-prone areas of the Highlands.
