Two helicopter types have been grounded after a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Apache attack helicopter (01-2069) made a forced landing in Woodlands housing estate this afternoon.
AH-64D Apaches and S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters had their wings clipped. The choppers will stay grounded pending results of what is believed to be simultaneous engine failure on the Apache.
This is believed to be the first time Singapore's air force has grounded two helo types at the same time.
The RSAF has yet to publicise the arrival of the Seahawks. The plane spotting community believes that three such naval helos are in town, though this is just a guesstimate not based on any special info.
The loss of the Apache underscores the danger faced by the RSAF's fleet of six Seahawks, which has no spare capacity to make good attrition and provide a naval helo element for the Navy's six Formidable-class stealth frigates. Please see results of an earlier poll on this blog.
Apart from the grounding, the RSAF is believed to have suspended recruitment advertisements for the time being till news of the forced landing blows over.
Source: Ministry of Defence, Singapore
Recovery Completed for RSAF Apache AH-64 Helicopter After Emergency Landing
Posted: 30 Sep 2010, 2100 hours (Time is GMT +8 hours)
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Apache AH-64 helicopter, which made an emergency landing at an open field between Woodlands Ave 12 and Woodlands Dr 64 at about 1530hrs today, was recovered back to Sembawang Air Base at about 2000hrs this evening. As a precautionary measure, the RSAF will temporarily suspend all training for its fleet of Apache AH-64 helicopters pending the outcome of the investigation. Training for the RSAF's Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopters, which have similar engines as the Apache AH-64 helicopters, will also be on hold.
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