The two pilots of the helicopter forced to ditch into the North Sea last week have been commended in the Scottish Parliament.
Alex Salmond yesterday paid tribute to the men’s “excellent airmanship and quick-thinking” in executing a safe sea landing and saving the lives of the 12 passengers.
The first minister said he was “satisfied” with the outcome of an investigation into the incident which led to Bond Offshore Helicopters temporarily grounding its Super Puma fleet.
The three-year-old £17.6million Eurocopter aircraft came down 25 miles east of Aberdeen shortly after midday on May 10.
Mr Salmond said the decision to suspend the fleet was a matter for Bond.
“Both the Air Accident Investigation Branch and helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter were quickly on the scene to investigate,” he added.
“The AAIB, in recognition of the importance of helicopter operations to the offshore industry, disseminated the results of its initial investigation very quickly which enabled Bond, in discussion with Eurocopter, to lift the flight suspension
“I am satisfied that the correct action was taken and appreciate the skill and human endeavour of the pilots concerned.”