Royal Navy Helicopter Crew Rescues Model Plane From Mine Chimney

A Royal Navy helicopter crew has completed a unique rescue mission by collecting a model aircraft after it crashed in Cornwall.

The radio-controlled plane had crashed on top of a Victorian mine chimney, near the village of Nancegollen, just a few days before it was rescued by the Navy.

"How the heck it got in the top of the chimney I don’t know," said the model aircraft's pilot, Roger Bath.

"Even if you tried to get it in there you’d be banging into the sides. It was unbelievable."

In desperation to be reunited with his aircraft, Mr Bath got in touch with nearby RNAS Culdrose on the off-chance they could lend a helping hand.

WATCH: The moment the Navy rescued the downed plane.

Luckily for Mr Bath, the Navy was able to not just offer a helping hand but a Merlin helicopter and its crew.

Members of 842 Naval Air Squadron were already preparing to go out on a search and rescue training sortie when Mr Bath called.

They decided this particular rescue mission offered a good chance to practise their skills. 

The Merlin circled the old mining site before lowering Lieutenant Donell Fairweather on a winch line to the top of the chimney.

He grabbed the model plane and was lowered to the ground, while the helicopter landed in a neighbouring field.

Lieutenant Commander Steve Thomas, the senior pilot and instructor in command of the training flight, said: "This was a genuinely valuable training opportunity for a student pilot who had been given an unusual search and rescue scenario, and staff rear crew who had the task of conducting the rescue.

"The task was far from simple and we spent a great deal of time and effort planning and considering all possible options, plans and dangers.

"Everyone gets more out of doing something like this than they do just training at the airfield."

Mr Bath and his flying club thanked the crew for their efforts in rescuing the downed model plane. 

Navy aircrews based at RNAS Culdrose regularly practice search and rescue training missions in preparation for potential emergencies while deployed at sea.