SAR UK disturbed by jets on training - BBC

Rescue pilot 'rolled' helicopter to avoid USAF F15 jets

• 11 December 2015
• From the section Highlands & Islands

Image copyright Thinkstock

Image caption Four F15s were on a training sortie at the time of the incident

A Coastguard search and rescue pilot "rolled" his helicopter to avoid what he perceived to be a potential collision with a USAF F15 fighter jet.

The incident came while the S92 crew were on a mission over Ben Nevis on 3 August.
The helicopter pilot assessed the jet, one of four on a training sortie, to have entered an area of air space zoned for the search and rescue operation.
A new UK Airprox board said there was no risk of collision.
Board members who investigated and discussed the incident determined that happened because of late sightings by the pilots of each others' aircraft.

Weather conditions - there was low cloud obscuring Ben Nevis - and the terrain were facts in bringing about this situation, but the board said both pilots took timely action to avoid a collision.
The helicopter pilot's actions included "rolling towards high ground". He had assessed the risk of collision as "high".
While flying to avoid the helicopter, the F15 pilot also alerted the rest of the formation to it. He had assessed the risk as "low".
The board said the helicopter pilot may have been "startled by the sudden appearance" of the F15s. Members also determined that the jets were close, but not in the area cleared for the rescue mission.