An RAF search and rescue helicopter at the centre of a Fife clifftop drama last week has returned to Lossiemouth five days late.
The Sea King helicopter was scrambled from its base at RAF Lossiemouth to the Fife coast on May 21 after 66-year-old Wormit woman Kate Nicholl plunged over 80ft from a clifftop.
After safely winching aboard the badly injured woman, who had head and back injuries, the crew transported her across the Tay to Ninewells.
As the helicopter was preparing to leave Tayside its engine developed a serious fault which kept it on terra firma for longer than expected.
A specialist team of Lossiemouth engineers travelled to Dundee to carry out extensive repairs which involved replacing large sections of the engine.
An RAF spokesman said engines do “break down” on occasion but the fault has now been fixed.
“The problem turned out to be bigger than we thought and engineers had to travel down to replace parts of the engine.
“It flew to Leuchars on Wednesday where some more work was carried out and in the evening took part in some test flights around the area.
“We had some calls from local people asking what was going on and had to explain it was a routine safety measure.
“It is flying safe and well and has returned to Lossiemouth.
“We would never put a helicopter into the air if we were not entirely happy with its condition. We would never endanger the lives of a crew.”
Helicopters can land at Ninewells’ helipad next to the accident and emergency department but it was out-of-bounds over the five days as the Sea King was being repaired.
But a hospital spokeswoman said there was no impact on the site as a result of the elongated stay.
“We had no other helicopters waiting to get in over this time,” she said.
“However, we do have a backup plan in place for such an event that would mean redirecting aircraft to Dundee Airport a short distance away.”
During its unexpected stay in Dundee the Sea King helicopter which has been in operation for around 30 years was guarded by RAF Leuchars personnel.
RAF Sea King helicopters operate from six UK locations. The RAF maintains a 24-hour search and rescue service covering the United Kingdom and a large surrounding area.
The RAF Search and Rescue organisation was established in 1941 to aid military aircrew in trouble over land or sea while training or on operations.
Today about 1500 people are assisted annually in more than 2000 incidents involving a helicopter or mountain rescue team being scrambled by the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre.