The Royal Navy Sea Kings are called out to numerous mountain rescues. Photo: Stuart Hill/MoD/Crown Copyright
A Royal Navy search and rescue helicopter had to make an emergency landing today when its crew reported a possible technical problem.
An HMS Gannet spokesperson said the precautionary landing was smooth and unhurried.
The Sea King Mark 5 was put down in a field north of Ardrossan in Ayrshire about 11.25pm.
The Royal Navy spokesperson said the aircraft, which is used in many mountain rescue operations, was not on an emergency flight at the time, but was on a routine training journey.
The spokesperson said: “At no time was there any danger to the aircraft, crew or the public. There are no injuries.
“A Royal Navy Sea King search and rescue crew is made up of four persons: two pilots, one observer and one winchman.
“The issue relates to observations noted by the crew of fluctuations in a temperature gauge
“Members of Police Scotland attended the landing site to ensure that all was well – they have since departed.
“Members of local HM Coastguard are on scene to manage high numbers of members of the public who have stopped to take pictures and watch.”
The Royal Navy said its HMS Gannet engineers went to the site, beside the main A738 coast road, assessing the aircraft.
The spokesperson added: “Engineers from HMS Gannet attended the aircraft at the landing site and replaced the temperature gauge.
“The crew then tested the aircraft, including a 10 minute hover check, with no repeat of the issue.
“The aircraft left the landing site at 2.45pm and arrived back at HMS Gannet’s Prestwick base at 2.55pm.
“Engineers have completed final tests at the base and the aircraft is now operational once more.”
Sea King helicopters from HMS Gannet at Prestwick Airport, near Ayr, jointly flew the most hours of the UK’s military search and rescue aircraft in the latest figures released.
Crews from HMS Gannet and RAF Lossiemouth each completed 32 hours on rescue missions in November 2013.
The service is due to be privatised between 2015 and 2017, when the ageing Sea King fleet will be replaced by new Sikorsky and Agusta Westland helicopters operated by American-owned Bristow, flying in Coastguard livery.
