On 19th April 2000 this helicopter was taking part in an Army ‘Quick Insertion Exercise’ in the military area used by Catterick Garrison, the helicopter was an RAF aircraft attached to the Army for the purpose of the exercise. The aircraft was descending to deploy troops as part of the exercise when the tail rotor struck the ground, it became airborne again but flight was seriously effected. The main blades then struck the ground and it crashed on Hipswell Moor and rolled over coming to rest on it's starboard side. The exercise was also being used as a training flight for the RAF aircrew, an instructor had shown his students how to make a correct landing then the aircraft was refuelled and the students were then to practice the landings. After the first impact between the tail rotor and the ground a student navigator was able to shut down one engine and reduced power on the second engine before the second impact. On board were four RAF aircrew and ten army personnel including a number of teenagers from Harrogate Army Foundation College. The helicopter loadmaster became trapped by his leg under part of the aircraft when it rolled over, he was aided and assisted by a crew member and a second helicopter taking part in the same exercise assisted in evacuating nine of the injured to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton. Dispite the damage it is understood that the aircraft was later repaired and returned to service. One of the passengers was commended for her actions in evacuating her fellow students and for returning to the damaged aircraft which was leaking fuel to assist the trapped loadmaster.
Crew - Names unknown, various injuries. All survived.
Loadmaster - Name unknown, suffered serious leg injuries.
Passenger - Bombardier Helen Burnley, aged 29. Slightly injured. Commended for her actions and believed to have left the Army in 2004.