WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance's helicopter is back in action and able to resume flying operations.

It has been out of service since June 15 following an incident on the charity’s helipad at its airbase in Semington.

The Bell 429 helicopter has undergone testing on the ground and in flight and has today (Friday, July 20) been released back to operational flying today (Friday, July 20).

David Philpott, Chief Executive of Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We are pleased that our helicopter has been released for operational flying. The safety of our operation is of paramount and overriding importance to the charity. Associated with the wide and diverse range of its stakeholders, the charity has the clear and defined duty of care to ensure that the helicopter is released to service and operations are resumed only when all and any safety concerns are addressed and satisfied, in compliance with applicable regulation. This may require time but it is an unavoidable component of the process."

During the time that the helicopter has been unable to fly, the charity’s paramedics and doctors have been providing critical care in Wiltshire and assisting neighbouring air ambulances, by using rapid Response cars, including one loaned to them from the charity West Berkshire Rapid Response Cars.

The cars have the same specialist medical equipment – funded by donations - that is onboard the helicopter.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance's paramedics and doctors have responded to 95 incidents in the cars between June 15 and July 19.

Mr Philpott said: “As is normal procedure when our helicopter is unable to fly our paramedics and doctors have responded to emergencies in rapid response cars, providing critical care to patients. We are incredibly proud to provide a lifesaving service in Wiltshire and surrounding counties and thank everyone, including our colleagues at neighbouring air ambulances who have helped cover incidents in Wiltshire, for their support.”

The incident in June happened while the pilot was carrying out daily engine checks and the charity says the helicopter suffered "an event of uncommanded tail rotor input".

In the statement it said: "During the procedure the helicopter performed two and a half, counter clockwise, uncommanded spins and came to its final stop following the prompt and appropriate actions of the pilot. No damage occurred to the aircraft, ground equipment or airbase.

"The Technical Crew Member (a Paramedic) in attendance was at all times at or beyond the prescribed safety distance from the helicopter, following the relevant operating and safety procedures. At no point was the Technical Crew Member at risk of being hit by the tail rotor. CCTV recordings provide factual evidence of the dynamics of the event."

Following testing of the helicopter as part of an investigation, the manufacturer recommended the precautionary replacement of two components that had to be sourced from North America.