Afghanistan: RAF pilot recalls near miss on runway in Kabul

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Two drunk servicemen allegedly took the junior pilot hostage while wearing balaclavas and wielding air rifles. The helicopter pilot reportedly took time off sick after the incident due to stress.

His absence has prompted an internal investigation, with the Times reporting that the crew members are likely to face disciplinary action as a result.

The pilot was part of a three-man crew from RAF Benson, South Oxfordshire, on a Puma chopper.

The incident occurred after the aircraft performed an emergency landing in a field in Hampshire two weeks ago.

After they landed, a farmer checked the crew were alright and drove the two senior members to the local pub, leaving the junior pilot to look after the helicopter.

The crew were said to have acquired air rifles and balaclavas – which they did not have onboard the aircraft – and returned to stage the kidnapping.

A source told the Sun: “After a couple of pints the senior guys decided to play a joke on the younger pilot.

“They got some balaclavas and an air rifle and made their way back to the Puma and sneaked up on him.

“They took him hostage with the rifle and pretended they were kidnapping him and taking the helicopter.

“It was reported to top brass.”

An RAF spokesperson said: “On 18 October, a Puma from RAF Benson carried out a precautionary landing in open ground.

“After the aircraft landed there was an incident which is under investigation.

“We are therefore unable to comment further.”

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An RAF source told the Times: “Obviously one crew member took it the wrong way. Some people thought it was funny. Some people didn’t.”

Ex-military policeman Mick Neville added: “This sounds like a joke that’s gone too far.”

Puma Choppers are typically used in a variety of combat roles, including the tactical movement of troops, weapons, ammunition and stores on the battlefield, as well as the extraction of casualties.

They have the capacity to carry 16 passengers or 12 fully equipped troops.

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