Wiltshire Air Ambulance helicopter target of a laser attack

On evening of 10 December, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Bell 429 helicopter, which has just returned from maintenance following months of delay, was subjected to a laser attack near its airbase in Semington, UK.

The incident occurred at 9:10 p.m. local time, while the crew were returning to the airbase after the completion of a training mission.

The air ambulance said that a very bright green laser was shone at the helicopter from the Trowbridge direction.

The pilot and critical care paramedics that were onboard were unharmed and landed safely. After checks, they were able to continue their night shift.

Chief Pilot Matt Wilcock said: “This incident happened while we were undertaking a training flight, but had we been responding to a medical emergency then we would not have been able to land and give critical care.

“Shining a laser at an aircraft is dangerous and irresponsible. It can seriously damage the eyes of those onboard, which in turn could place the entire aircraft at risk with potentially catastrophic effects.”

It is the second laser attack on Wiltshire Air Ambulance aircraft this year, the other very similar incident having occurred on 22 August as the crew returned to base, with the light being shone from the Hilperton area at 9:33 p.m.

In the UK, shining a laser at an aircraft is a criminal offense. It carries an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison. Wiltshire Police is investigating the incident.