RAF helicopter pilot shot between the eyes by Taliban flies 20 to safetyAmen to that!
An RAF helicopter pilot who was shot between the eyes by a Taliban bullet still managed to fly all 20 passengers to safety.
The Chinook flown by Flight Lieutenant Ian Fortune, 28, was brought in to pick up casualties during a firefight between American and Afghanistan forces and heavily armed rebels near Garmsir in Helmand Province, said a report in The Sun.
The pilot was told it was too dangerous to land and circled the landing area. The Chinook came under fire after eventually landing - which continued as casualties were loaded on board - and Flt Lt Fortune was hit by a Taliban bullet as he took off.
The shot hit the rail on the front of his helmet which is normally used to attach night vision goggles. It penetrated his helmet hitting him between the eyes and causing severe bleeding. Further bullets hit the helicopter's controls damaging the stabilisation system. Despite this Flt Lt Fortune was able to fly for eight minutes before landing at Camp Bastion.
This was the first time a pilot has been shot while in the air during the Afghanistan war.
Mike Brewer, a television presenter who was on board filming a documentary at the time, said: "The courage and heroism of the pilot was beyond belief."
(HT: UK Telegraph)
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