RAF Merlin Helicopter Door Falls on Air Show Crowd in Ireland

The Ministry of Defense launched an investigation today after three spectators were injured when the door of an RAF helicopter fell about 30 meters into the crowd at an air show in Ireland.

The British-made Merlin helicopter was hovering over a seaside hotel at the show yesterday in Salthill, Co Galway, when a side door fell off.

Three injured spectators were taken to University College Hospital Galway where they were said to be in stable condition with no life-threatening injuries.

A spokeswoman for the MoD said: "We regret any injuries that were caused and an inquiry will take place to establish what happened." Liam McBurney, a photographer who was capturing the event from the top of a hotel, said panic erupted as around 100 people scattered from the shoreline.

"The door fell off and was just like a piece of paper floating in the wind," he said.

"It floated over the promenade and crashed into the beach before bouncing about five to 10 feet into the air and landing again."

Mr McBurney said the air show had just finished and the area was packed with people at the time. He said the pilot of the EH Industries Merlin HC3 appeared to be attempting a manoeuvre over a hotel and towards the beach when the door fell off.

The helicopter, which had been on static display during the show, is normally based with 28 Squadron at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.

Merlin helicopters are being used by British troops in Afghanistan. Earlier this year six Merlins were sold to the Danish government in a deal worth £230m.

In 2003 the MoD released figures revealing that 48% of Merlins needed maintenance before being safe to fly.