On Thursday 3 November last year, two pilots in a light aircraft that had taken off from Jersey Airport were forced to ditch into the sea off the southeast of the island after the plane’s single engine lost power.
Despite the blustery conditions and heavy swell, they landed safely on the water, escaping to a life raft seconds before their aircraft sank beneath the waves.
They were then rescued by the St. Helier lifeboat, which had rushed to their aid after being alerted by air traffic control and guided by a satellite beacon which one of the crew was carrying.
Duncan Laisney, a former RAF Tornado pilot who was instructing that day, spoke to the Bailiwick Podcast about what happened, what went wrong and – more importantly – what when right, ensuring that both men walked away unharmed.
You can also read about Mr Laisney’s experiences in today’s Jersey Evening Post, in the paper itself or its online edition. Sign up for a digital subscription for just £9.99 per month.
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