RAF Chinook returns to base after being stranded in farmer's field for several days

A Royal Air Force Chinook that was forced to make a precautionary landing in a farmer's field in Dorset has returned safely to base after being stranded for several days. 

The 7 Squadron helicopter is now back at RAF Odiham after setting down in a field near Bere Regis, the crew having identified a technical problem with the aircraft.

"We would like to say a huge thank you to the landowner and the local population for their support and patience whilst we repaired the aircraft," wrote RAF Odiham on social media.

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The RAF said specialist engineers has been sent to assess the aircraft while it was in the field.

It said they identified a fault within the hydraulic system and repaired the issue.

The US-designed Chinook is a versatile aircraft that can be operated from land bases or even ships.

It can carry up to 55 personnel or approximately 10 tonnes of mixed cargo.