Royal Navy pilot commended for emergency carrier landing

Lieutenant Dan Burnett of the Royal Navy has been commended for his exceptional airmanship and composure during a critical in-flight emergency that occurred in September 2023.

The incident unfolded when his Wildcat helicopter, assigned to 847 Naval Air Squadron, experienced a severe engine malfunction while conducting a medical evacuation from HMS Queen Elizabeth in the North Sea to a hospital in Newcastle.

According to the Royal Navy, this malfunction caused one of the helicopter’s engines to become stuck at a dangerously high power setting, creating significant risks of rotor overspeed and potential engine failure.

Faced with the critical situation just 35 miles into the 115-mile journey, Lt Burnett assessed the situation and decided it was safer to return to the aircraft carrier rather than continue to Newcastle.

His plan involved a complex ‘running landing’ approach, but with the carrier’s flight deck occupied, he had to devise a different method. He safely navigated the aircraft by adjusting its flight profile and performing a series of ‘S’ turns to manage speed before executing a controlled hover parallel to the ship. Lt Burnett eventually shut down the engine’s fuel valve to achieve a safe landing, ensuring the safety of all six individuals onboard, including three patients and three crew members.

Lt Burnett’s actions earned him an individual commendation for ‘meritorious actions in rescuing others’ from the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.

The society’s Chief Executive, Captain Justin Osmond, said:

“Lieutenant Burnett’s exceptional technical acumen, outstanding airmanship, and calm leadership in the face of a severe emergency undoubtedly prevented a life-threatening situation from escalating.”