Stuck in the mud helicopter is freed

RAF Benson say the Chinook that became stuck in a field near Wantage last week has been lifted successfully and is now out of the mud.

Their engineers are now checking the aircraft, to ensure it's safe to fly it back home to RAF Benson.

A spokesperson for the base said:

"Given the muddy conditions and freezing weather, it has been a challenging operation to free the Chinook, particularly as we needed to ensure we didn’t damage the aircraft in doing so. Specialist tri-Service teams, including the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron and the Royal Engineers, were called in to assist the Chinook experts in devising a solution that would successfully free the aircraft. A number of options were considered and it was agreed that the best option would be to lift the aircraft onto a platform using cranes.

"The specialist teams worked together to prepare the ground, including laying over 250 feet of suitable trackway for the heavy lifting equipment. Once the equipment arrived, it was a swift process to prepare the aircraft to be moved and it was then lifted by two cranes onto the waiting platform. Personnel have been on site since last Tuesday including RAF Reserves from 606 Squadron based at RAF Benson.

"Once again, we extend our sincere thanks to the landowners who have been incredibly understanding throughout this process and the local community for their support."

The helicopter was forced to land on the field after originally developing a mechanical problem. That was soon resolved but the helicopter had sunk into the waterlogged field.

The base had to mount a 24-hour guard on the valuable helicopter throughout its unscheduled stop.

• chinook
• raf benson
• mud