Princess Anne's quick getaway as helicopter catches fire

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.

Crowds of schoolchildren who had gathered to wave off the Princess Royal looked on in horror as she leapt out of the aircraft as it rapidly filled with smoke.

"For one awful moment people thought the Princess may have been injured but apparently she was fine," said one boy who witnessed the drama in the grounds of Denbigh High School, North Wales, at 2.30pm.

An electrical fault was thought to be the cause of the fire in the Sikorsky S76 C+, part of the Royal Flight. The Princess, 57, accompanied by two aides, was sitting in the back of the helicopter when the fire broke out.

Princess Anne next to the helicopter she was forced to scramble from

A spokesman for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "Passengers were evacuated from the aircraft and the pilot used a carbon dioxide extinguisher to tackle the fire.

"Fire officers examined the helicopter and it is believed the fire broke out in the starter motor.'

The schoolboy witness added: "There was quite a bit of smoke billowing out of the cabin and everyone got out of the helicopter pretty quickly."

Princess Anne: Had to escape from a burning helicopter

Princess Anne, ninth in line to the throne, had flown in the helicopter yesterday morning from her home at Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire, for an official visit to Denbigh Infirmary.

She was due to fly on to nearby Wrexham to visit a kitchen factory.

After the fire, she made the journey by car where she arrived 30 minutes late.

The S76 C+ has been used for flying members of the Royal Family since 1998. It is operated by the royal household from Blackbushe Aerodrome in Hampshire. Last year it clocked up 395 flying hours.

Last night Buckingham Palace played down the incident.

A spokesman said: "The Princess was absolutely fine.

"She was keen to meet the rest of her engagements and continued by car."