2015/01 - AirAsia QZ8501 Search Operation

Exercise/Operation

AirAsia QZ8501 Search Operation

Helicopters

AS-332 Super Puma

Utility Aircraft

Lockheed C-130 Hercules

Year

2015

The RSAF supported the AirAsia QZ8501 search operation, deploying C-130s and Super Puma helicopters to assist in locating the crashed flight.

On 28 December 2014, AirAsia flight QZ8501 crashed en route from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore with 162 passengers and crew on board. Within hours of the plane's disappearance, the RSAF joined the international Search and Locate (SAL) assistance effort by deploying two C-130 aircraft daily to cover an area of about 60 nautical miles by 190 nautical miles in the Java Sea, and two Super Puma helicopters on the Navy ships. The SAL operation concluded on 18 January 2015 after 22 days of deployment and contributed to the air crash investigation.

Pilot in flight suit gives a thumbs-up near a helicopter with a panther decal.

RSAF aircrew and pilots conducting pre-flight checks on the Super Puma before taking off from Sembawang Air Base to join the Navy’s RSS Persistence in the mission.

Pilot in flight suit and helmet uses binoculars inside helicopter, looking out window.

An Aircrew Specialist searching for signs of the air crash on the Super Puma helicopter.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong with navy officers in camouflage uniforms, heads bowed.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and senior SAF commanders observing a minute of silence for the victims of the crash.

Dark interior shows people in uniforms and yellow vests, looking out the window of an aircraft.

Airmen on board the C-130 aircraft scanning the vast open seas, which spanned over 50 times the size of Singapore.

“When my superior informed me that the RSAF was looking for volunteers, I volunteered for the first flight today. As military personnel, our job is not just to see to the daily maintenance of RSAF systems. We also have to participate in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions like this and do what we can to help those in need."

ME2-1 Calvin Tay, Air Force Engineer, 507 Squadron, 2014 on taking part in this mission to scan the search area for debris

“Being involved in a real operation was a very fulfilling experience, though we did face several difficulties, such as unfavourable sea conditions, and suffered from seasickness and giddiness. Scanning the seas was not easy, as we did it for many hours in the air, with the glare from the sun reflected off the water. However, we put up with it because we knew that the mission was important to the families of those on board the missing flight.’’

2SG Wilson Wu Zhiwei, Winchman, 125 Squadron, 2015 on taking part in this mission to scan the search area for debris