G-BTMS ditches in sea at Tuskar

Avid Speedwing registered G-BTMS (msn PFA 189-12023) was ditched in calm seas at Tusker Rock off the Wexford coast yesterday evening when the pilot got into difficulties. The aircraft was en route from Haverfordwest in Wales to Wellington Bridge at the time of the crash. After ditching the aircraft the pilot managed to get out of the cockpit and crawl onto the wing.

The alarm was raised by the crew of a British rowing boat who changed course and headed for the crash site, some two miles from Tuskar Rock.

The Waterford based Coast Guard Helicopter S61 was returning to Waterford Airport following an exercise with the Irish Naval Service at the time the alarm was raised. Following refueling the helicopter was dispatched to the scene where the pilot was winched aboard the Sikorsky.

The aircraft wreckage which remained floating was towed from the scene by lifeboats and brought ashore at Carne beach near Rosslare in Co. Wexford.

Although the pilot was not named, the aircraft is registered to John O'Shaugnessy of Foulksmills Co. Wexford.