Chinook Helicopter and Hercules Plane in Near-Miss over Wales
An incident involving a Chinook helicopter and a Hercules plane flying over Usk has been reported by the Air Prox Board. The near-miss occurred in June 2024 when the Chinook was conducting a low-level routine day navigation sortie. During the flight, the crew spotted a Hercules between three and five miles away near The Bryn in Monmouthshire, raising concerns.
Following a “dynamic assessment,” the Chinook crew swiftly descended to create more separation between the two aircraft, avoiding a potential collision. Investigators found that both flights were planned and cross-checked using a military planning tool. However, variations in operational timelines impacted situational awareness, leading to the near-miss.
The report highlighted communication challenges due to undulating terrain affecting radio calls and a malfunctioning traffic alerting system on the Chinook. Despite these issues, the Chinook crew’s vigilance and collaboration were commended for ensuring informed decision-making in response to the Hercules’ proximity. The investigation also addressed discrepancies in transponder operations but acknowledged the inherent secrecy of certain military flights.
While safety was deemed compromised, the Air Prox Board confirmed that there was no imminent risk of collision between the two aircraft. Additionally, suggestions were made for improved awareness protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The report emphasised the importance of maintaining situational awareness and effective communication, especially in complex airspace environments.
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In related news, other recent headlines featured various stories ranging from community events to sports and environmental disputes. As the investigation into the Chinook-Hercules near-miss continues, authorities are working to enhance air safety measures and prevent similar incidents in Welsh airspace. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.