An air ambulance helicopter worth around £7m has been left stranded after smashing into a football goalpost while landing at a holiday park.
The Wales Air Ambulance aircraft suffered damage after touching down at Scar Farm Holiday Park in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire.
The helicopter had been sent to the site following an emergency call, which local reports suggest may have been a hoax.
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But the aircraft ended up unable to take off again after its tail struck the goalposts, as reported by Need To Know.
Pictures show the damaged helicopter sitting in the playing field with its rotor blades later removed ahead of a huge crane operation.
The aircraft remained at the holiday park for four days before being lifted out on Sunday morning (11 Oct).
Specialist crane and haulage firm N&A James Ltd carried out the delicate recovery operation, with the helicopter eventually loaded onto a transporter and taken to Gloucester for repairs.
The company described the aircraft as a “£7m machine” and said the recovery operation had been a “challenge”.
The helicopter is operated for Wales Air Ambulance by its aviation partner, Gama Aviation.
One holiday park spokesman said the helicopter had “caught on something” while landing.
Wales Air Ambulance confirmed no patient was on board and said nobody was injured.
A spokesperson said: “At no point was there any danger to the crew or members of the public, and no one was injured.
“No patient was on board. An internal investigation is under way and the relevant authorities have been notified.”
The charity said its air ambulance services had not been affected by the incident.
The bizarre incident has sparked plenty of online speculation and support.
One user said: “Let’s hope the hoax callers never need help. It may be far away.”
Another person joked: “Excellent work for the best charity cause in UK in my opinion. However, my humour is telling me that there will be many flying hours done on the back of ‘own goal’ and ‘VAR’ related jokes. Well done to all involved.”
Brian said: “Top job as always boys.”
Another person added: “Find the hoax caller and make them pay for everything.”
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