Wildcat pilot commended for remarkable skill during engine failure over North Sea
The outstanding airmanship and composure of naval pilot Dan Burnett have earned him an award for saving all six people aboard his failing helicopter.
In September 2024, Lt Burnett and his crew were charged with flying three patients ashore from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth to a hospital in Newcastle during training in the North Sea.
Just 35 miles into the 115-mile journey, in what should have been a routine MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) sortie, their Wildcat helicopter from 847 Naval Air Squadron – normally assigned to supporting Royal Marines – suffered a severe fault.
One of the engines had become stuck at a very high-power setting and no longer responded.
It meant the rotors were turning dangerously fast and there was a significant risk of catastrophic rotor overspeed during any abrupt manoeuvres, resulting in the engine’s failure.
Lt Burnett decided returning to the carrier in the middle of the North Sea was the safest option, rather than continuing to Newcastle.
He planned to make a 'running landing' on HMS Queen Elizabeth – rolling to a stop on her 900ft flight deck rather than the usual vertical landing.
But this was not an option with the carrier's deck filled with other aircraft.
Instead, Lt Burnett devised a plan to reconfigure the aircraft's flight profile to safely lose height and reduce speed – all while managing the high-risk conditions created by the malfunctioning engine.
As the Wildcat approached the carrier, its speed presented another challenge.
Lt Burnett expertly executed a series of 'S' turns to manage the closure rate on the ship while maintaining a controllable approach path.
Then when his helicopter was parallel with the carrier, he put it into the hover, maintaining rotor speed just within safety limits.
To touch down, Lt Burnett attempted to reduce power by shutting down the faulty engine, only to find the problem persisted.
Instead, he closed the fuel valve of the faulty engine, effectively reducing the power and allowing a safe, controlled landing.
All six on board – three crew, and three MEDEVAC patients – landed unharmed.
Lt Burnett's skill in the cockpit, his overall professionalism and composed, correct decision-making earned him an individual commendation for 'meritorious actions in rescuing others' from the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society at its 2024 Skill and Gallantry Awards.
"Lieutenant Burnett's exceptional technical acumen, outstanding airmanship, and calm leadership in the face of a severe emergency undoubtedly prevented a life-threatening situation from escalating," said the society's chief executive Captain Justin Osmond.
"His quick and decisive measures protected the lives of those on board and preserved the helicopter for future operations.
"His remarkable captaincy during this complex emergency reflects the finest traditions of the Fleet Air Arm.
"Lt Burnett is fully deserving of an Individual Commendation for his heroic and exemplary actions.
Although the commendation has been presented in his name, Lt Cdr Burnett says it belongs to the entire aircrew on the night.
"Dealing with the emergency was an absolute team effort and I was lucky to have an experienced crew: Lieutenant Stu Jump and Petty Officer Aircrewman Luke Philips were instrumental in enabling the safe recovery of the aircraft," he said.
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