Door of Cullen’s helicopter falls off

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

ARTS Minister Martin Cullen was left shaken yesterday when the main door of a helicopter he was travelling in became unhinged and fell 500ft to the ground.

The minister was sitting near the door when the incident occurred. The Air Corps chopper was forced to make an emergency landing just minutes after it had taken off from Killarney racecourse.

Mr Cullen was not injured but a witness said he looked shaken.

"The aircraft is currently on the ground until a military airworthiness inspection team and technicians from Air Corps HQ, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, examine the aircraft on the ground," said an Air Corps spokesperson.

The mid-air emergency occurred at 3.30pm as the AW 139 helicopter was carrying Mr Cullen, his private secretary and three crew.

The pilot was forced to make a landing on the helicopter pad at the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club.

The same Air Corps AW 139 helicopter had been used to bring Mr Cullen from Waterford to Killarney yesterday morning and was returning to Dublin when the incident happened.

The Air Corps spokesperson said the AW 139 helicopter was able to fly with doors open under certain speeds, but normally only in military and winching roles.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea was informed and will receive a report.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, March 03, 2009