‘Bravo November’ pilot saves crew despite being shot

A Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter pilot is being praised for his bravery for saving his crew.

Gary Parsons - 5-Mar-2010


ZA718 at Hendon in 2008. Image courtesy Guy Harvey

March 5: A Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter pilot is being praised for his bravery for saving his crew despite being wounded, reports the UK newspaper The Sun.

Flight Lieutenant Ian Fortune was on a rescue mission in Helmand Province to extract casualties when his helicopter, fabled ZA718 ‘Bravo November’ of the 1982 Falklands War fame, was hit by enemy small-arms fire. Flt Lt Fortune’s helmet was struck by a single bullet, damaging it and wounding him between the eyes.

According to the report, Bravo November’s automatic stabilisation system was damaged, making the Chinook extremely difficult to fly, but despite this Flt Lt Fortune made it back to the airfield at Camp Bastion some eight minutes away, where he received treatment for his injuries.

Bravo November already has three Distinguished Flying Crosses to its name, its pilots having won the medals in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Filed Under Military Aviation News.

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5 Comments

David Crouch said on the 5-Mar-2010 at 17:12

Well now, in the States, this hellicopter pilot would get the Purple heart.
But perhaps,he deserves the Victoria cross.
I think so, and im sure those on the copter agree,
Well Done mate.

Steve G said on the 6-Mar-2010 at 18:27

The very least this pilot deserves is the DFC. He is part of the team which still makes me feel proud to be British. Truly worthy of the accolade "hero".

David Crouch said on the 7-Mar-2010 at 18:27

Nothing but the best for this guy, so it has to be V.C. and DFC and Purple heart, and drinks on the M.O.D.

Alex said on the 7-Mar-2010 at 23:13

Not to diminish his heroic actions in any way, (God save the Queen and all that) but where was the co-pilot?

David Crouch said on the 8-Mar-2010 at 14:44

Now,now Alex. we all know how much the M.O.D. have been cutting back, so you will have to ask them about Co-pilots.
But the capt.always gets the credit.
Just like Gerge Brown.

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