• Low Flying Helicopters disturb countryside life
  • Posted on December 1, 2009 by albrown | 0 Responses

  • There have been many incidents reported over the last few months about low flying helicopters. Many countryside people are worried about the effects of
    the low flying vehicles as animals are easily frightened. Not only are the helicopters not far above the horses head but also as the noise is considerable it is in turn spooking many animals including horses.

    One case is detailed below where a women was seriously injured on 6th March 2009 when her horse was spooked by a MoD Chinook helicopter.

    A Devon women is currently suing the Ministry of Defence for causing her serious injury when a low flying helicopter scared her horse when she was visiting the horse in his field. The victim, Jane Holloway described the incident as frightening and ridiculous as the Chinook helicopter flew only 30ft overhead.

    The 62 year old had been on the opposite side of a gate to her horse, Pandora when the MoD helicopter flew past. The horse was spooked and reared as a defence mechanism. Unfortunately as the horse reared up, Ms Holloway was struck by the horse’s hoof and as a consequence suffered a fractured skull, bleeding in the brain and has now been left with a permanent hoof shape scar on her face. As a result, she spent a month in hospital and still relies on people to drive her around and help her do general day duties as she wears a neck brace. Jane Holloway said, “He was flying really low, lower than the roof of the farmhouse which is about 30ft. The horses went absolutely mad, I don’t really remember anything else, I remember just thinking ‘I’m dead’.”

    The MoD have commented saying, “The MoD is continuing to investigate an accident in which serious head injuries were sustained by a woman at Musbury, Devon, in which the presence of a military helicopter has been implicated. Aircraft data and technical documentation have been recovered and enquires to date have identified that the aircraft involved was serviceable and was being operated by the aircrew within its authorised parameters.”

    As this story shows certain situations are out of our control. E&L Horse Insurance cannot stop these situations arising however they can ease the financial burden should something untoward occur. E&L horse insurance starts from £3.30 a month. E&L Horse insurance policy benefits include vet fee cover, personal accident, public liability, saddlery and tack cover plus much more. Visit www.eandl.co.uk/equine to find out more information or to take out instant cover today!

    Source: www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7991951.stm, 9th April 2009

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