DRAMA unfolded at Chapel-le-Dale as a search and rescue helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing after developing a technical fault.

Members of Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation (CRO) were scrambled to the scene following a request to help an injured walker on Sunday evening.

One of the Sikorsky S92 Search and Rescue helicopters (G-MCGJ), based at Caernarfon Airport in Gwynedd North Wales, was requested by the CRO for additional assistance to help undertake a mountain rescue on Ingleborough.

While en route to the landing site above the Old Hill Inn, Chapel-le-Dale, the helicopter developed a mechanical fault with something in the rotor system and was forced to make an emergency landing in a field close by.

Vibration from the damaged item then caused the ten tonne helicopter to slide on the uneven sloping ground and sink its wheels deep into the soft grass, which left it leaning at 18 degrees and in danger of rolling over.  

CRO used engineering equipment to secure the helicopter until three fire engines arrived with air bags to support it, while a plan of action was drafted to level-up the helicopter in an attempt to fix it.

The rescue team did managed to get to the stricken walker, in poor weather conditions with high winds, rain, limited visibility and approaching darkness.

The team spokesperson said: “CRO stabilised the casualty’s condition and undertook a surface stretcher carry along with continuing casualty care on steep ground, taking the casualty to a Land Rover for transport to a road ambulance

The dramatic scenes were caught on camera by Tom Beresford.