In aviation, pilots’ final communications often provide crucial insights into the events leading up to a crash. These last words can shed light on the pilots’ awareness of emerging emergencies and their attempts to manage critical situations. Below are some notable examples:
Pete Barnes – London, 2013
In January 2013, experienced pilot Pete Barnes crashed in central London after requesting to divert to Battersea Heliport due to poor weather conditions. Seconds before the crash, he radioed:news+3Sky News+3ITVX+3
“Is Battersea open, do you know?”Sky News
After confirmation, he responded:
“If I could head to Battersea that would be very useful.”NBC New York+9Sky News+9ITVX+9
Moments later, he thanked the air traffic controller:Sky News+1ITVX+1
“Thanks a lot.”Sky News+1ITVX+1
Tragically, shortly after this exchange, the helicopter crashed, resulting in Barnes’ death. ITVX
Super Puma Crash – North Sea, 2009
In April 2009, a Super Puma helicopter carrying 16 people crashed into the North Sea. The last transmission from the cockpit was a Mayday call:The Telegraph+1The Telegraph+1
“Mayday, mayday, oh f***.”The Telegraph+1The Telegraph+1
This was followed by silence, and the helicopter subsequently crashed, leading to the loss of all aboard. The Telegraph
Leicester City Helicopter Crash – 2018
In October 2018, a helicopter carrying Leicester City Football Club’s chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, crashed near the King Power Stadium. Pilot Eric Swaffer’s final words, as the aircraft spun out of control, were:www.ndtv.com+2ITVX+2Goal.com+2The Telegraph+3Goal.com+3ITVX+3
“I’ve no idea what’s going on.”ITVX+1Goal.com+1
Despite his efforts to regain control, the helicopter crashed, resulting in five fatalities. 
Rescue 116 – Ireland, 2017
In March 2017, the Irish Coast Guard’s Rescue 116 helicopter crashed off the coast of Ireland. The final words from the crew were:Extra.ie
“We’re gone.”Extra.ie
This transmission occurred seconds before the helicopter struck a cliff, leading to the deaths of all four crew members. Extra.ie
General Bipin Rawat’s Helicopter Crash – 2021
In December 2021, a Mi-17V-5 helicopter carrying India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, crashed in the Nilgiris. The last radio contact occurred at 12:08 pm, seven minutes before the scheduled landing, after which communication was lost, and the helicopter crashed, resulting in 14 fatalities. www.ndtv.com
Sea World Helicopters Collision – Australia, 2023
In January 2023, two Sea World Helicopters collided on Australia’s Gold Coast, resulting in four deaths, including pilot Ash Jenkinson. A friend texted Jenkinson upon hearing about the crash:couriermail+2couriermail+2Express.co.uk+2Express.co.uk
“Hope that wasn’t you?”Express.co.uk
Jenkinson’s last known communication was this message, as he did not respond before the crash occurred. Express.co.uk
These final communications underscore the unpredictability of aviation emergencies and the critical importance of pilot training and aircraft safety measures.
