Unprecedented scene in the Briard sky.
A passenger plane weighing more than 800 kg flew through the sky at an altitude of 400 m over a distance of 4 km, lifted by a helicopter.
The device towed it using several slings.
This involved transporting the aircraft from a field in Nanteuil-lès-Meaux to the Meaux-Esbly aerodrome, where it is usually parked.
The operation, which began a little before 3 p.m., lasted only five minutes.
Nanteuil-lès-Meaux, Thursday February 29, 2024. The plane which landed in a field on Wednesday February 21 was helicoptered to the Meaux-Chauconin aerodrome where it is usually based.
LP/Sébastien Roselé
The Piper PA28 Cadet made an emergency landing in a field on Wednesday February 21.
The pilot, who had taken off from his home aerodrome, had encountered a technical problem.
The engine had iced up.
“It happens in certain atmospheric conditions.
It’s due to the humidity level,” explained Philippe Lamy, president of the Aeronautics Club de France in Meaux, to which the aircraft belongs.
Fortunately, the experienced pilot was able to land safely without injury or damage to the aircraft.
A feat.
It was an Écureuil AS350 B3E belonging to the company SAF which was responsible for the transport operation.
“It was impeccable,” says Xavier Decroux, responsible for helicopter transport at SAF.
I'm not going to say that it's routine for us but it's classic in that we only do lifting by helicopter.
But a plane is more fun because we usually work with manufacturers.
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“It was royal and 100% secure!
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For safety reasons, the roads which were flown over by the helicopter-plane tandem were closed, in particular the A140, by the police and the roads department of the departmental council, during the transport.
“I was impressed,” breathes Xavier Decroux, who is not, however, on his first mission.
They closed traffic everywhere.
It was royal and 100% secure!
Usually, elsewhere in France, we have to take detours so as not to fly over inhabited areas.
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Nanteuil-lès-Meaux, Thursday February 29, 2024. The plane which landed in a field on Wednesday February 21 was helicoptered to the Meaux-Chauconin aerodrome where it is usually based.
LP/Sébastien Roselé
The cost of towing amounts to 5,500 euros for the club which had initially considered transporting the device by road.
But then it would have had to be dismantled, put on a giant trailer and then reassembled.
“It would have been horribly complicated,” analyzes Philippe Lamy.
With this helicopter solution, the Piper PA28 is ready to fly again very quickly, after a complete checkout.
The value of this 4-seater plane is estimated at 80,000 euros used.