Article

2010-03-05 Afghanistan

British helicopter pilot shot between the eyes but keeps flying

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Posted by Oztralian 2010-03-05 01:10|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 The Sun reports that Flight Lieutenant Ian Fortune, 28, had flown in to pick up casualties as a firefight raged between American and Afghan forces and heavily-armed rebels near Garmsir in Helmand Province.

Flt-Lt Fortune - who had TV presenter Mike Brewer on the aircraft filming a documentary - was advised to hold off on approach to the battle as it was "too hot" on the ground. He circled until troops reported incoming fire had calmed down.

But as he flew in the helicopter came under attack - which continued as casualties were being loaded.

Then, as he lifted off, Flt-Lt Fortune was shot. A bullet hit a metal rail on the front of his helmet which is used to attach night vision goggles. The round then penetrated his helmet hitting him between the eyes. It knocked his head back and caused severe bleeding.

More bullets followed, hitting the Chinook's controls and shutting down the stabilisation system.

But with blood pouring into his eyes, Flt-Lt Fortune battled with the controls to stop the chopper from spiraling out of control

Then with the aircraft lurching from side to side he continued flying for eight minutes before landing at Camp Bastion.

He was taken to the field hospital and treated for his wound.

It is the first time in the nine-year war in Afghanistan a pilot has been shot while in the air.

Posted by Glenmore 2010-03-05 07:55|| 2010-03-05 07:55|| Front Page Top

#2 Damned lovely bit of flying, that.

Posted by Mike 2010-03-05 08:44|| 2010-03-05 08:44|| Front Page Top

#3 I can think of a hell of a lot more enjoyable experiences than flying a crippled helicopter, under fire, while my blood was pouring down the front of my face into my eyes.

Posted by Anonymoose 2010-03-05 10:24|| 2010-03-05 10:24|| Front Page Top

#4 1/4" (plus skill & courage) from disaster. Talibunnies displease Allan and he deflected their aim.

Posted by Glenmore 2010-03-05 11:39|| 2010-03-05 11:39|| Front Page Top

#5 Flight-Lt Fortune ought to get together with that US Marine who took a bullet to the helmet and only had a bruised forehead to show for it.
Mr. Fortune was obviously much more seriously wounded.
I wonder if his middle name is "Good".

Posted by Rambler in Virginia 2010-03-05 17:05|| 2010-03-05 17:05|| Front Page Top

#6 I always said brains were optional for helo drivers...

Posted by mojo 2010-03-05 17:38|| 2010-03-05 17:38|| Front Page Top

#7 Quality.

Posted by swksvolFF 2010-03-05 18:24|| 2010-03-05 18:24|| Front Page Top

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