Mayday Season 3 Episode 9 Helicopter Down

On this episode of Mayday, viewers are taken back to September 1989 to explore the devastating events that took place in the Scottish Highlands. Episode 9, titled "Helicopter Down," delves into the tragic crash of a Chinook helicopter that took the lives of 45 people, making it the worst helicopter accident in UK history.

The episode begins by highlighting the importance of the Chinook helicopter to the British military. Known as a workhorse, these helicopters were used for transportation, delivering supplies, and carrying troops. However, on the night of September 2nd, 1989, a Chinook helicopter carrying mostly Special Air Service (SAS) personnel crashed into the Mull of Kintyre, a remote and treacherous location off the western coast of Scotland.

The episode introduces viewers to the two pilots responsible for flying the Chinook that fateful night: Flight Lieutenants John Cook and Jonathan Tapper. Cook, an experienced pilot with over 5,000 hours of flight time, had recently been assigned to fly the Chinook despite having little experience with this particular type of helicopter. Tapper, on the other hand, was a seasoned Chinook pilot with over 2,000 hours of flight time.

As the episode progresses, viewers follow the Chinook as it makes its way to the Mull of Kintyre. Along the way, the pilots are faced with a number of challenges, including unpredictable weather and rugged terrain. Despite these obstacles, the pilots remain calm and confident as they continue their mission.

However, just as the Chinook approaches the Mull of Kintyre, disaster strikes. The helicopter suddenly disappears from radar, and a search and rescue operation is launched. Despite the heroic efforts of the rescue team, all 45 people on board the helicopter are pronounced dead.

The episode then shifts its focus to the investigation that followed in the wake of the crash. The Royal Air Force (RAF) immediately launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. As the investigation unfolds, a number of theories are put forward, including mechanical failure, pilot error, and even sabotage.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given access to interviews with a number of key figures involved in the investigation, including family members of the victims, military officials, and aviation experts. Through these interviews, viewers gain insight into the complex web of factors that led to the tragic crash, including the pressure on pilots to meet strict deadlines, the limitations of the Chinook's onboard computer system, and the lack of proper training for pilots assigned to fly this particular type of helicopter.

Ultimately, the investigation into the crash of the Chinook helicopter on the Mull of Kintyre remains one of the most controversial in the history of the UK military. Despite multiple inquiries and investigations, the cause of the accident remains uncertain to this day. This gripping episode of Mayday provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the crash, offering viewers a glimpse into the devastating impact of one of the worst helicopter accidents in history.