Dramatic footage shows 'doomed' helicopter's failed sea landing

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

A military board of inquiry in Australia heard the November crash in Fiji was doomed as soon as it took off.

Commander Jack Rush told the inquiry that the accident occurred because the helicopter had tried to land on the deck of the HMAS Kanimbla in deceptively treacherous conditions.

Scroll down for more...

They were so difficult that no pilot had been able to land a craft in flight simulators with the same conditions. Eight men were saved from the crash after it tumbled into the water.

Video images from the Kanimbla show the chopper bouncing off the ship and twisting vigourously as its tail and rear rotor break off before it falls into the sea.

The inquiry heard there was no mechanical failure and there were concerns the army left its pilots with little margin for error.

Despite Defence department counsel urging him to suppress footage of the accident, Justice Levine said there was an overriding principle of open justice and the right of the public to witness to the events.